Hi Ben
There are some recent (and current) research projects that are revealing exactly this.
A couple of years ago there was a study conducted in Dundee ("Consequences of family and friends (social network) influences on pupils' interest in science careers: A. Scottish perspective" - see pdf at http://www.academicjournals.org/ijster/PDF/Pdf2010/April/Rodrigues%20and%20Jindal-Snape.pdf ).
There's a massive longitudinal study based out of Kings College (ASPIRES) which is tracking a cohort of school pupils through primary school and into secondary, and is investigating the factors influencing their relationship to science. You can see more here:
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/education/research/aspires/index.aspx
What both seem to be suggesting is that parental (and family) attitudes to science are still the dominant factor influencing study decisions (A-level, Highers and beyond). I don't know if career choices are as clear-cut, but children's views of science careers are influenced by their perception of their parents' views. All of which suggests that targeting school students alone is an incomplete approach. Discuss...
Cheers
Andy
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-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Dipper [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 25 October 2011 14:12
Subject: The importance of parents
Dear all
I wonder if anybody could point me towards anything in the literature, peer-reviewed or otherwise, on the importance and value of engaging parents in the process of inspiring young people about STEM, and the multiplying or reinforcing role this can play alongside direct activity with young people themselves?
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Ben Dipper
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