International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 3 (May-June 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of May-June.

From Non-STEM to Engineering: A Comparative Study of Reading and Learning Preferences Among BSEE Students by Senior High School Track

Author(s) Engr. Larry Elegado Gracilla, Dr. Ritzelda Agnes Deri
Country Philippines
Abstract This study compared the reading and learning preferences of 134 third and fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering students. The comparison was based on the senior high school track STEM or non-STEM to identify dimensions that inform equitable instructional design. The descriptive-comparative survey design was used. Preferences across six dimensions were analyzed with chi-square tests and effect sizes. Results showed that only the device for reading differed significantly between groups. The non-STEM students predominantly preferred mobile phones while STEM students favored laptops. No significant differences were found for reading materials, reading resources, textbook format, online content, or medium of instruction. These findings indicate that a uniform approach for content, format, resources, and language is feasible across both tracks. However, the significant device disparity requires a mobile-first design strategy to remove the primary technological barrier for non-STEM learners. Responsive, smartphone-optimized digital resources alongside blended printed materials will ensure equitable access and support successful transitions from non-STEM backgrounds into engineering education.
Keywords blended learning, device preference, electrical engineering, equitable instruction, learning materials
Published In Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On 2026-05-26
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.79166

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