Determinants of Selection of A-Level Subject Combinations for Future Career Choice among Private Secondary School Students in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated the determinants of selection of A-level subjects' combination for future career choice among private secondary school students. The study was guided by four specific objectives: to establish how personal interest determine the selection of A-level subjects combination for future career choice, to determine whether parents' economic status influences the selection of A-level subject combination for future career choice, to determine how parents level of education contributes to the selection of A-level subject combination for future career choice, to find out whether peer pressure determines the selection of A-level subject combinations for future career choice. The study was guided by Self- Concept Theory of Career Choice and Development as well as Social Cognitive Career Theory. The study employed mixed research approach whereby the researchers used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Convergent parallel research design was used to guide the researchers' right from the data collection stage through data recording and finally data presentation. The researchers used questionnaires to get information from teachers and students, while the heads of schools were interviewed. The researchers used both probability and non-probability sampling to get the sample size from the population. Lastly, the researchers conducted a pilot study in one of the secondary schools in Dodoma City Council before the real study to test the reliability of the research instruments. The findings of the study revealed that parents have a big influence on their children's selection of subject combinations as teachers guide students according to their performance to select their subject combination. This study recommends that another study needs to be carried out to find out the causes and solutions of the determinants of selection of A-level subject combination for future career choice among private secondary school students.