Research Proposal on the Perception of Secondary School Students on Career Choice in Christian Religions Studies, a Case Study of Akoko North West Arigidi
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study will include:
- To examine the perception of secondary school students in Akoko North West Arigidi regarding Christian Religious Studies (CRS) as an academic subject.
- To investigate how the socio-cultural environment of Akoko North West Arigidi influences the career choices of secondary school students, particularly about CRS.
- To analyze the potential impact of students’ perception of CRS on their career aspirations and decisions.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Career Choice
Career choice, a fundamental concept in educational and vocational development (Le Surf & Leech, 2019), refers to the process through which individuals make decisions regarding their future occupational paths (Mapfumo & Nkoma, 2021). This pivotal decision-making process carries profound significance for students, influencing their academic trajectories and vocational prospects.
The significance of career choice is multifaceted and deeply ingrained in students’ lives (Mclaughlin, 2019). It serves as a compass that guides students through their educational journey and prepares them for their future roles in the workforce (Menon, 2020). The decisions made during this process can significantly impact students’ motivation and engagement in their studies (Mushaandja & Frank, 2019). When students perceive their chosen career paths as personally meaningful and aligned with their interests and goals, they tend to be more committed to their studies, resulting in improved academic performance (Oertle & O’Leary, 2017).
Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) is an integral academic subject that holds a significant place within the secondary school curriculum (Adejimola & Tayo-Olajubutu, 2019). CRS encompasses the study of Christian beliefs, values, and practices, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the Christian faith and its teachings (Anagbogu, 2018).
CRS holds a central position in the secondary school curriculum, aiming to nurture students’ moral and ethical development (Eliamani et al., 2018). It serves as a platform for students to explore their spirituality, fostering character development and ethical decision-making (Fox & Butler, 2017).
The importance of CRS extends beyond religious education. It has the potential to significantly influence students’ career aspirations (Awinsong et al., 2015). The values and principles instilled through the study of CRS can shape students’ perceptions of career choices related to religious and ethical fields (Alloway et al., 2020).
Perception
Perception is a cognitive process that plays a pivotal role in decision-making, particularly in the context of career choices (Fraenkel & Wallen, 2020). It involves the interpretation and organization of sensory information, influencing individuals’ understanding of the world around them (Sarantakos, 2019).
Understanding the concept of perception is essential for comprehending how individuals form their career choices (Andronic et al., 2019). People perceive and interpret information differently based on their experiences, beliefs, and values (Le Surf & Leech, 2019). In the context of career decisions, perception encompasses how individuals perceive various career options, including their appeal, suitability, and alignment with personal goals (Stefaniak & Tracey, 2015).
Perception shapes decision-making by serving as a filter through which individuals evaluate and prioritize career alternatives (Goodman-Scott & Grothaus, 2017). It influences the criteria individuals use to assess potential career paths, including factors such as job satisfaction, financial rewards, and alignment with personal values (June et al., 2020). Moreover, perception can be influenced by external factors, such as cultural and societal norms, as well as guidance and counselling services (Kozlowski & Huss, 2021).
CHAPTER THREE
Methodology
Research Design
The research design chosen for this study will be a quantitative survey research design. This design was selected due to its suitability for gathering structured data from a relatively large and diverse population, as is the case with the study’s target population of 1200 respondents (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2019; Creswell & Creswell, 2018). The survey research design facilitates the collection of quantitative data that can be statistically analyzed to provide insights into the perceptions and attitudes of secondary school students regarding career choices in CRS.
Population of the Study
The target population for this study will consist of secondary school students in Akoko North West Arigidi. The justification for this choice is rooted in the desire to understand the career perceptions of students within this specific geographic area, where CRS plays a significant role in the curriculum. Akoko North West Arigidi represents a distinct educational context, and by focusing on this population, the research aims to contextually relevant insights (Anderson, Fontinha, & Robson, 2020; Gray, 2018).
Sample and Sampling Technique
Convenient sampling will be adopted for this study due to its practicality and feasibility, given the large target population. A sample size of 120 respondents has been chosen as it strikes a balance between obtaining a representative dataset and managing resource constraints (Saunders et al., 2019). The convenience sampling technique allows for the selection of participants who are readily accessible and willing to participate in the study, making it suitable for this research’s scope and objectives.
References
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