Instructional Methods and Career Choices among Students in Secondary Schools in Uganda

Abstract

This study set out to investigate the influence of instructional methods on career choices among students in secondary schools in Wakiso District in central Uganda. The study adopted the descriptive research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data from 315 respondents, who included the District Education Department staff, headteachers, deputy headteachers, career-teachers, student leaders in both public and private secondary schools, and students in the selected secondary schools. Additional data was collected from staff of UNEB and NCDC. The respondents were selected using purposive and simple-random sampling techniques. Data were collected using validated and pre-tested SAQs, interview guides and document analysis. The quantitative data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that according to the respondent teachers, instructional methods account for 55% of decisions relating to career choice among students, with a correlation (r) of.550; p=.000 < .05; while according to respondent students, instructional methods account for 31.4% of decisions relating to career choice among students, with r as .314; p=.002 < .05. The study concluded that instructional methods used in teaching have a strong influence on career choice among students. The study recommended among other things, that while teaching, the teachers should employ relevant instructional methods that can help students in an effective understanding of the subject. in order to cultivate students’ interest towards becoming professionals in specific areas. On the other hand, teachers should endeavor to employ student-centred instructional methods that engage learners in the learning process, in order to stimulate their interest in specific subject outcomes. This can shape their career choice decisions

Keywords: Instructional methods, Career choice, Students, Secondary schools, Uganda.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-3-13

Publication date: March 30^th 2025