Adolescent perceptions of career concern and how these perceptions change from grades 7 through 12
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Date
2004
Authors
Code, Michael
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2004.
Abstract
A qualitative approach was used to research adolescents' perceptions of career concern
and how these concerns change from Grades 7 through 12. Recently, there has been
increased involvement of students in adolescent needs assessment research. This is a
recognition that including students' perceptions may increase the accuracy of results, as
adolescents may be the bast source for identifying their own needs. The students involved
in the study attend schools throughout selected communities of Southern Alberta; 9,502
students in Grades 7 through 12 responded to the CCNS (Comprehensive Career Needs
Survey) and comprised the total population of participants. Student responses to the
research question, "What discourages you when you think about your career?" in the
CCNS ware randomly extracted from this population. Communities ware separated into
sample sizes with populations of under 1000, between 1000-10,000, and more than
10,000. Within each community category, twenty randomly selected responses were
collected, analyzed and compared to generate broad themes from each grade level.
Twenty-seven themes emerged from the participants' responses, which were then
compared and reviewed as to their frequency relative to each theme. A grounded theory
approach to data analysis was used and revealed that adolescents confront a system of
core thematic issues that arise in response to their dealing with age-graded development
tasks, social expectations, and personal projects. These core themes ware discovered to
stem from extrinsic and intrinsic forms of concern that adolescents consider to be
problematic along than career paths. Those concerns include distinct issues related to (1)
learning, (2) security, (3) satisfaction, (4) failing, and (5) commitment. The implications
for career professionals are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.
Description
ix, 154 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Educational counseling -- Alberta , Vocational guidance -- Alberta , Vocational interests -- Alberta , Junior high students -- Alberta -- Attitudes , High school students -- Alberta -- Attitudes