The Perceptions of Prospective Japanese Science Teachers on Female Students’ Participation in STEM Subjects

The researchers identified the important role of teachers/facilitators in holistic development and decision-making in the life of students at schools.This compelled the researchers to investigate and understand the perception of Japanese prospective science teachers about female students' interest and participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects.Therefore, this study aimed to identify and understand the actual baseline situation of Japanese prospective science teachers' perception and impact concerning female students' STEM education participation.A descriptive survey method was adopted for this study.Questionnaires were used as the instrument for data collection.The sample group included 41 Japanese prospective science teachers from various faculties at a national university.The study's findings indicated that the prospective science teachers seem to perceive female students to have low interest in STEM subjects even though their performance is almost the same as that of male students.