Caracterización de la formación precedente de estudiantes universitarios de Medellín y su relación con la elección de carrera

Abstract: The aim of this research was to characterize previous training of university students in Medellin city and its relationship with higher education fields’ selection, an interesting matter for educational authorities, in order to design strategies to enhance professional development. Semi-structured interview technique for data collection was used. For data analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with type orthogonal canonic contrast, index hierarchical classification multiple correspondence analysis, frequency analysis and cluster analysis, were used. Highly significant statistical difference (p<0,0001) between genders about preferences for subject, was found; as well as between public and private educational institutions about perceived difficulty of subjects. A relationship between male students from private institutions about preference for Mathematics, Physics, Geometry and Calculus and Engineer higher education selection and preference for Biology and Chemical and Natural Sciences selection, was found; as well as, a relationship between female students from public institutions about preference for Spanish and Education and Social Science higher education selection.Resumen: Esta investigación tuvo como propósito caracterizar la formación precedente de estudiantes universitarios de Medellín, Colombia y su relación con la elección de carrera. Para recolectar la información se utilizó la entrevista semiestructurada y para analizarla, la técnica multivariada de la varianza con contraste canónico de tipo ortogonal, correspondencia múltiple con clasificación jerárquica indexada así como análisis de frecuencias y de clúster. Los resultados mostraron una diferencia altamente significativa (p