A research on the level of 12th grade students' interest towards science, technology, engineerıng and mathematics(STEM) field, and science and technology literacy self-efficacy perceptions in terms of certain variables

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the interest in science and technology literacy self-efficacy perceptions of high school 12th grade students according to various variables. In this study, a mixed method was used in which quantitative and qualitative methods were used together. The participant group of the study is composed of high school students who are in some districts of Diyarbakır in the 2018-2019 academic year. The sample of the study consisted of 818 (421 females, 396 males) in the quantitative sample group and 41 students in the qualitative sample group. The students who participated in the study were determined based on purposeful sampling method. Before the starting of the study, it was well-considered that the xiii schools to be surveyed were different school types. These schools were determined -three of each- as vocational high school, anatolian high school and science high school by taking into account the high, medium and low school scores of students. The types of schools in which the research is conducted have different levels of achievement. In order to determine the students' interest level in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, STEM career fields interest scale which is composed of 36 items was used. In addition, the Science and Technology Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale, consisting of 33 items, was used as a data collection tool to determine the science and technology literacy self-efficacy perception levels of the students. The personal information questionnaire consisting of 7 items was applied to the students to obtain the personal information of the students. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to get their opinions about the interests of the 12th grade students attending the research in their fields. The data obtained in this study were analyzed by using descriptive analysis, ANOVA test and independent groups t-test. As a result of the research, it was determined that the career interest and self-efficacy levels of science and technology literacy differed significantly in STEM fields. The type of school where the students participated in the study was found to be effective on STEM areas, career interest, and science and technology literacy selfefficacy perception levels. On the other hand, it was seen that the interest and literacy levels of the participants participated in the study changed significantly according to the scientific developments and their usage and purpose. On the other hand, there were significant differences with between the career interests in STEM fields of the students the level of perception of selfefficacy in the fields of science and technology and a role model who working in the fields of science and technology. In addition, it was determined that the career interest levels of the students differed according to the education and occupational variables of their mothers. While the level of STEM interest of the students varied according to their fathers' educational status, no change was observed according to their fathers' jobs. It can be said that it would be beneficial to increase the efficiency of STEM activities in order to increase the interest in STEM fields in high schools. Because it is thought that there is important for both students and teachers. Keywords: STEM fields, Science and technology literacy, Self-efficacy, Grade 12 students