Using Computer Simulations and Culturally Responsive Instruction to Broaden Urban Students’ Participation in STEM

Abstract

This article describes the findings of a pilot study that used computer simulations to broaden urban children’s opportunities to learn and participate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Culturally responsive instructional practices were used to engage urban children in mathematical reasoning and science process skills to create computer simulations. In this study, African-American and Latinx students’ self-efficacy in technology and twenty-first-century skills, as well as attitudes toward STEM and STEM careers, were examined using the context of critical race theory. Due to the small sample size, a non-parametric test was performed. The results revealed significant differences from pre-test to post-test on the constructs of twenty-first-century skills, science attitude and engineering careers. The effect sizes were moderate. Qualitative data revealed the instructor engaged in four out of six elements associated with culturally responsive instruction. Future studies should examine how instructors’ use of sociopolitical consciousness and funds of knowledge influences underrepresented students’ interest in and motivation to learn about STEM.