What's the Most Important Profession in America According to Teens?
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If you had to choose, which profession would you say contributes most to society's well-being? According to the recent Lemelson-MIT Invention Index, an annual survey that gauges kids' perceptions about invention and innovation, teens rate teachers highest, followed by doctors (see graphic). Less than one-fifth of respondents viewed scientists as having the highest impact on society and only 5 percent chose engineers.
One reason might be because students simply aren't aware what professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) do and don't have suitable role models. But the good news is that teens are excited to learn. Indeed, 77 percent were interested in pursuing a STEM career, and 85 percent wish they knew more about STEM in order to create or invent something. The most effective way to engage them is through hands-on activities with enthusiastic mentors and teachers. Passion seems to be essential. More than half of respondents (55 percent) would be more interested in STEM simply by having teachers who enjoy the subjects they teach.
The most inspiring training grounds, teens indicated, were field trips to view STEM in action and places outside the classroom where they can build things and conduct experiments (53 percent).
Learn more about the Invention Index's findings and how you can mentor students in STEM subjects.
Comments
DD
Wed, 02/10/2010 10:48pm
I just read this brief article, and I am struck by the way it suggests that the low response-rate for engineering is problematic. The question the students were asked is which profession contributes the *most* to society. I have two engineering degrees from MIT, but I tend to agree with these kids that teachers and doctors have a larger impact than I do in the world. It doesn't make the contribution of engineers any less valid, nor does it necessarily correlate with which professions students will ultimately choose.
I am definitely surprised to see that scientists were listed three times as often as engineers, as I happen to view the two professions as relatively equal in terms of impact. But this is a minor issue compared to the fact that students are well-aware of how quality teaching is the difference-maker in our society. So, the real issue is: how do we improve our education system and make teaching a more rewarding career choice for the talented individuals who can inspire students across the board?
Mark
Sat, 02/05/2011 1:46pm
Who taught the farmer how to farm?
David
Thu, 09/23/2010 1:13pm
I am an engineer as well and totally agree. We could start by getting rid of the dept of education and teachers' unions.
Feeding the World
Sun, 02/28/2010 9:06pm
Most important profession as a question is a joke. There is one profession that is necessary above all else and is also the most taken for granted. Have you figured it out yet? The 3 most important and basic human needs are provided by this professional. Nothing? How about the farmer, the steward of the earth. The person who feeds, clothes, and fuels the world. Without them none of the others would exist. Modern agriculture is always innovating and changing to meet demand and feed a growing population. So before you put on that t-shirt in the morning or eat your next meal, remember there is someone behind it all.
George Hawkins
Sun, 02/28/2010 3:24pm
The survey of teens does not appear to correct for the bias due to a teens viewpoint, so they rate highly the professions that they see most often: teachers. Very few teens see politicians putting together a political deal to advance legislation, so they don't know what the politicians do well. Further this ignores the economic side of engineering (which makes it different than science), and to leave out the economists and accountants entirely. Perhaps that is why we seem to fumble important issues of the cost of technology.
jw
Fri, 02/26/2010 9:16pm
amen to the above