Interest In STEM Careers Research Articles

Examination of Relationship between Secondary School Students' Robotic Coding Attitudes and STEM Career Interests

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between middle school students' attitudes towards robotic coding and their STEM career interests. For this purpose, data were collected from a total of 213 students studying in three different secondary schools in a province in the south of Turkey. The "STEM Career Interest" scale and the "Robotic Coding Attitude" scale were used as data collection tools. The analysis of the data indicated that there was a moderate, statistically significant relationship between the participants' attitudes towards robotic coding and their STEM career interests. When the data were analyzed in terms of sub-dimensions, a medium-level significant relationship was found between the participants' attitudes towards robotics and their science, mathematics, and engineering career interests, and a high-level significant relationship was found between their technology career interests. Additionally, sub-factors of robotic coding attitude (interest, motivation, desire to learn, self-efficacy, and anxiety) significantly predicted the participants’ STEM career interests. Accordingly, it can be posited that as participants' attitudes towards robotic coding evolve, their interest in STEM careers also expands. Consequently, it is postulated that all activities that enhance attitudes and boost interest in robotic coding, whether conducted within or outside the school environment, will facilitate students' pursuit of a STEM-related career in the future.

Exploring the Impact of Social, Cultural, and Science Factors on Students’ STEM Career Preferences

AbstractThe declining interest in STEM careers in the United Kingdom has raised concerns, prompting this study to explore the intricate relationship between social, cultural, and scientific identities and their impact on students’ inclination towards science and technology career pathways. Additionally, the study examines the associations between gender, gender-related job preferences, and career choices. Data were collected from 1,618 primary and secondary students in the UK. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis and multivariate analysis, were employed for analysis. The key findings revealed a significant interaction effect between gender and gender-related job preferences. Social factors were identified as significant mediators, amplifying the influence of gender on career decisions and shaping gender-related job preferences. Cultural factors, particularly related to ethnicity, were found to shape job preferences, while religious affiliation did not exhibit a significant effect. Students’ perceptions of science, stereotypes associated with science professionals, and engagement in science extracurricular activities were positively correlated with a greater likelihood of expressing interest in STEM careers, demonstrating the influential impact of science factors on forming students’ STEM career choices. Interestingly, the type of education (primary or secondary) did not significantly impact job preferences, suggesting that preferences may become more refined or influenced by external factors as students progress in their education.

High School Students’ Motivation Regarding an Integrated STEM Food System Project

High school students need to be prepared to enter the workforce and solve real-world problems including food and energy sustainability. Real-world problems require students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills and transfer their learning across disciplines. Presented as a grand challenge to students, the food system project utilized an integrated STEM approach complemented by a systems thinking approach that challenged students to analyze relationships with a holistic perspective. This quantitative descriptive study described the perceptions, experiences, and career interests of high school students who completed a food system STEM project. The students self-reported they were interested in the project, they applied scientific reasoning to solve the problem, and they collaborated with peers to apply STEM concepts. Students also reported the project helped them learn more about STEM careers and students reported higher interest in career fields such as science, technology / engineering, the agricultural industry, food industry, and natural resources industry after completing the food system STEM project. Food system integrated STEM projects can be a tool to engage students to solve complex problems and build interest in STEM careers.

STEM ATTITUDE DISPARITY: THE IMPACT OF LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN VOCATIONALLY-ORIENTED POLYTECHNIC AND UNIVERSITY ON STUDENTS’ SELF-EFFICACY, EXPECTANCY-VALUE, AND CAREER INTEREST

Learning experiences are widely recognized as crucial in developing students’ attitudes towards science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Vocationally-oriented polytechnics and universities provide distinct learning experiences that may significantly influence students’ STEM self-efficacy, expectancy-value and career interest. The study explores how the unique learning experiences shape students' STEM attitudes among 487 students during their fourth semester at vocationally-oriented polytechnic and university. The S-STEM survey was adopted as the measurement instrument. The result showed that university students displayed a more favorable overall STEM attitude compared to students enrolled in vocational-oriented polytechnic. University students demonstrated greater STEM self-efficacy than polytechnic students, but no significant difference in STEM expectancy-value was detected between the two groups. From the perspective of inter-group comparison, university education consistently fostered students a heightened sense of STEM self-efficacy, expectancy-value and career interest in science, whereas vocationally-oriented polytechnic education boasted its unique strengths in cultivating robust attitudes and career interests towards science and engineering/technology. However, students in both institutions exhibited a relatively less positive attitude towards learning mathematics. The findings highlight the importance of learning experiences in shaping students' STEM attitudes and career interests. Keywords: career interest, expectancy-value, learning experiences, self-efficacy, STEM attitude

Exploring career interest and STEM self-efficacy: implications for promoting gender equity.

This study explores the relationship between career interests and self-efficacy in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among young girls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Employing a quantitative research design with a correlational approach, we utilize the S-STEM survey to measure changes in students' STEM subject efficacy and their interest in STEM careers. Our sample comprises 671 middle and high school female students from 49 schools, representing a diverse cross-section of the population. The findings indicate that female students exhibit high levels of STEM self-efficacy and have a strong preference for medicine as a career choice. While the overall interest in STEM careers among students is moderate, there are notable variations in interest across different STEM fields. Importantly, a positive and significant correlation was observed between female students' interest in STEM careers and their self-efficacy in STEM. This research holds important implications for the promotion of STEM education and careers among female students. By recognizing the unique context of Saudi Arabia and the perspectives of young girls in Riyadh, this study offers a fresh perspective on the factors influencing STEM career aspirations and highlights the importance of fostering self-efficacy beliefs among female students.

Influence of career awareness on STEM career interests among foundation-year students in Mogadishu, Somalia

This study investigates the influence of career awareness on STEM career interests among Foundation-year students in Mogadishu, Somalia. By examining self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and academic performance as mediating factors, the research provides new insights into the complex relationships that shape students’ aspirations in STEM fields. Data were collected through a survey of 321 students across four private and public universities and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling in R-Programming to ensure rigorous evaluation of validity and reliability. The findings reveal that self-efficacy plays a pivotal role in motivating students to pursue STEM careers. At the same time, positive outcome expectations and academic achievements further reinforce their interest in STEM pathways. Although the direct relationship between STEM career awareness and career interests was not statistically significant, the results emphasize the importance of fostering self-belief among students. This study contributes to the understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing STEM career interests and offers practical strategies to enhance self-efficacy, positive outcome expectations, and academic excellence. These findings can inform the development of interventions aimed at inspiring and empowering students in their pursuit of STEM careers.

The Effect of Project-Based Stem Education Approach on Academic Achievement and Stem Career Interests in Science

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the project-based STEM learning method prepared in accordance with the Science and Technology course curriculum on academic achievement and STEM Career Interest levels. Pre-test post-test control group experimental design was used in the study. In this context, the sample of the study consisted of 52 (n=26 experimental and n=27 control) volunteer 6th grade students studying in two different branches at Karatay Secondary School in Karatay district of Konya province in the second semester of 2021-2022 academic year. A placement test was administered in order to determine the branches in which the study would be conducted. According to the results of the exam, volunteer students studying in the closest level branches were included in the study. The students in the experimental group were taught according to the project-based STEM learning method prepared according to the outcomes of the Support and Motion System, Force and Motion, Sound Insulation, Thermal Insulation units for 64 lesson hours. The students in the control group were taught the above-mentioned units by the same instructor according to the existing program for 64 class hours. Both experimental and control group students were administered the skills-based academic achievement and STEM Career Interest Scale prepared by the Ministry of National Education as pre-test and post-test. The data obtained from the pre-test and post-test applications were evaluated in SPSS 26.0 package program. In the statistical analysis, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the students in the experimental and control groups in favor of the students in the experimental group (p<0.05). According to the findings obtained from the statistical analysis, it was concluded that the project-based STEM teaching method in science education increased the level of academic achievement and interest in STEM professions. Based on this result, it is predicted that students' academic achievement levels can increase with the more frequent use of project-based STEM learning method in science education by teachers

From classroom learning to real-world skills: an autoethnographic account of school field trips and STEM work immersion program management

Quality science education is crucial in preparing students for real-world challenges by fostering scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. Field trips and work immersion programs support this goal by providing hands-on experiences and real-world applications of scientific concepts, thereby enhancing student engagement and understanding. This autoethnographic study explores the management of school field trips and work immersion programs, emphasising their impact on student engagement and learning outcomes. Through personal experiences and reflective practices, I examine the logistical planning, risk management, and curriculum alignment necessary for successful implementation. The findings highlight how these programs enhance students’ understanding of scientific principles, foster critical thinking, and encourage STEM career interests. Key strategies include collaborative planning, flexibility, and ongoing evaluation, providing insights into optimising educational programs and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

PHÁT TRIỂN NĂNG LỰC ĐỊNH HƯỚNG NGHỀ NGHIỆP CỦA HỌC SINH QUA BÀI HỌC E-STEM “CÔNG TY THIẾT KẾ SẢN PHẨM ỨNG DỤNG CẢM BIẾN” TRONG DẠY HỌC CHUYÊN ĐỀ “MỞ ĐẦU VỀ ĐIỆN TỬ HỌC” (VẬT LÝ 11)

Based on the E-STEM theoretical framework, STEM lessons, and thematic knowledge content “Introduction to Electronics” in the 11th grade physics curriculum, the article designs the E-STEM lesson “The company designs sensor application products” to foster students’ career-oriented capabilities. Experimental results show that the lesson has an impact on the development of career-oriented competency, including STEM career awareness, STEM self-efficacy, and STEM career interest. Furthermore, although the personal emotional aspect and the decision to choose a STEM career also had an increased average score after the experimental process, it was not statistically significant. In general, students can complete tasks and respond positively to the lessons, while also having the opportunity to foster behavioral manifestations of career-oriented and physics competency. These contributions will suggest and direct the integration of E-STEM into forms of implementing STEM education in high schools in the future. Keywords: E-STEM; STEM education; entrepreneurship education; career orientation; Physics curriculum.

Attitudes toward digital technology, communication, innovation skills and STEM career interest: a model test for secondary school students

Attitudes toward digital technology, communication, innovation skills and STEM career interest: a model test for secondary school students

Shrinking gender gaps in STEM persistence: a ten-year comparison of the stability and volatility of STEM career interest in high school by gender

ABSTRACT To keep abreast with recent developments in young persons’ STEM career interests and to anticipate the gender representation in the future workforce, we need to periodically update cohort comparisons of the persistence in STEM career interest among male and female youth. Using two national U.S. samples of first-year college students, collected a decade apart in 2007 and 2017, we found that, at the end of high school, the gender gap in STEM career interest still existed, but had shrunk considerably during the decade. Both genders were more likely to transition into STEM from non-STEM career interests during the high school years in the 2017 cohort than in the 2007 cohort, with females experiencing a steeper increase. Furthermore, females who were initially interested in a STEM career were more likely to persist in a STEM career interest in the 2017 cohort than in the 2007 cohort, whereas males’ persistence rates remained the same between cohorts.

Investigating students’ perceptions of STEM education in private elementary schools in Abu Dhabi

ABSTRACT Background STEM education is recognized as an essential approach for preparing learners to navigate the ongoing technological revolution shaping the world. Acknowledging the critical role of early childhood in cognitive development, STEM education is advocated for implementation from the early years. Method The researcher conducted an empirical study employing a quantitative design to investigate students’ perceptions of STEM education in Abu Dhabi’s private elementary schools. Specifically, the study aims to examine the relationship between students’ perceptions of STEM education and demographic variables, including age, grade level, and gender. A total of 100 students participated in the study by completing a student questionnaire. Findings Data analysis revealed that elementary students across different age groups, grade levels, and genders hold positive perceptions of STEM education and express interest in pursuing STEM careers. Notably, male elementary students exhibited a more favorable perception of STEM education compared to their female counterparts. However, neither grade level nor age group emerged as significant contributors to students’ perceptions of STEM education or their interest in STEM careers among elementary schoolers. Contribution The study’s findings contribute to our understanding of students’ perceptions of STEM education in private elementary schools in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the study sheds light on significant differences in students’ perspectives concerning demographic variables, thereby informing future research and educational practices.

Arduino-based real-time data acquisition systems: boosting STEM career interest

Arduino-based real-time data acquisition systems: boosting STEM career interest

Effectiveness of Middle School STEM Career Education for STEM Knowledge, Efficacy, and Interest

The purpose of this study was to test STEM career interventions through a theoretically integrated STEM Career Education (SCE) Module. The effectiveness of SC education was tested on STEM Career (SC) interests, self-efficacy, and knowledge of students from two middle schools. The sample included middle school students from two private schools (N=33) in Islamabad, Pakistan. By using a mixed-method sequential explanatory research design, quantitative data were obtained before and after the intervention while qualitative focus group discussions were conducted post-intervention. A significant increase in SC interest, self-efficacy, and knowledge after participating in the SCs Program is reported, even after statistically controlling key variables. The training seems to be more effective for those with low SC knowledge. Findings indicate a need for robust interventions to target math self-efficacy. Results provide further directions for effective STEM interventions. By pinpointing limitations and future directions, this pilot study contributes to STEM education in Pakistan and provides a model of CE for other countries.

Factors predicting STEM career interest: the mediating role of engagement and epistemic cognition in physics

ABSTRACT This study tested a conceptual model of factors contributing to students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. The interrelations among STEM career interest, engagement in physics classes, epistemic cognition in physics, gender, the socioeconomic status (SES), and physics grade of students were investigated. A sample of 8513 high school students participated in the study. Latent-variable structural equation modelling was employed. The results revealed that STEM career interest was significantly related to engagement, epistemic cognition, gender, and SES. However, the prediction pattern was non-uniform across the different STEM domains. Thus, disciplinary differences were observed in the factors that significantly predict students' interest in careers. Mediation analysis revealed that student engagement mediated the relation of epistemic cognition and gender to STEM career interest and physics grade. Epistemic cognition mediated the relationship between SES and STEM career interest. Significant gender and SES-related differences were also observed and are discussed herein.

Organizational and contextual support in the interest in STEM careers. Gender differences.

Organizational and contextual support in the interest in STEM careers. Gender differences.

Kitchen Chemistry Boosts STEM Identity and Increases STEM Career Interests

Kitchen Chemistry Boosts STEM Identity and Increases STEM Career Interests

Study on the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary solar panel project to enhance students' interest in STEM

This study aimed to develop and implement a STEM education program on solar energy. This study follow Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE) model. The study was conducted by analysing, designing, and developing a STEM education program consisting of a program guide and a solar panel STEM KIT. The program was implemented in schools involving 83 high school students. The program was implemented in two formats, namely STEM after school and regular learning. Students completed the STEM interest instrument after participating in the STEM education program. The results showed that the program was declared valid for use. In addition, the program implementation results showed no significant difference between students' technology, engineering, mathematics, and STEM career interests in STEM after school and regular STEM classes. This may be due to several things such as similar content and activities, similar engagement, and similar mentorship. This study implies that the STEM education program can increase students' interest in STEM after-school and regular learning activities.

Influence of career awareness on STEM career interests: examining the roles of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and gender

BackgroundThe studies of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career interests have progressed substantially over the recent years. However, the influence of career awareness on STEM career interests is an area that requires further discussion. Evidently, Chinese adolescents have limited awareness and interest in STEM careers in the context of the Chinese cultural milieu, which can potentially constrain their future career trajectories. This study explored the influence of career awareness on the STEM career interests of Chinese high school students, examining the mediating roles of self-efficacy and outcome expectations for STEM courses in this relationship. Additionally, it analyzes the impact of gender on the average levels and interrelations of these variables. A sample of high school students from both eastern and western regions of China (N = 2542) was selected, and data was analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach.ResultsThe findings indicate that while STEM career awareness impacts various types of STEM career interests, minor differences exist in these effects. Specifically, the influence of STEM career awareness on analytical STEM career interests is entirely mediated by self-efficacy and outcome expectations in STEM courses. However, for life-survival and life-healthy STEM career interests, this mediation is only partial, with respective effects accounting for 39% and 45%. Notably, significant mean-level differences exist between male and female students in STEM career interests and self-efficacy in STEM courses, yet the relationships among these variables remain consistent across genders.ConclusionsThis study underscores the pivotal influence of career awareness in molding STEM career interests, shedding light on the mediating functions of self-efficacy and outcome expectations within STEM courses. Through a gender-based analysis, it offers valuable insights into the differing inclinations of male and female high school students in the STEM realm, while also revealing consistent patterns in the relationships among these variables across genders. These findings underscore the necessity for heightened efforts to bolster STEM career awareness and fortify self-efficacy and outcome expectations within STEM courses, particularly in domains characterized by notable gender disparities, aiming to foster equitable advancement within the STEM disciplines.

Rocks Really Rock: electronic field trips via Web Google Earth can generate positive impacts in attitudes toward Earth sciences in middle- and high-school students

Abstract. Earth sciences (ESs) are relevant to society and its relationship with the Earth system. However, ES education in K-12 environments in the United States faces several challenges, including limited exposure to ESs, lack of awareness of ES careers, and low ES literacy. International associations have recognized these challenges and recommended that Earth scientists improve the public's perception of the relevance of ES. In recent years, informal science communication and outreach platforms such as the Streaming Science model of electronic field trips (EFTs), which connect K-12 classrooms with science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) professionals, have gained popularity as an educational technology tool. EFTs are inexpensive, have spatiotemporal benefits, and have proven an effective informal science education pathway for introducing STEM content into formal classrooms to increase positive attitudes and interest in STEM careers. Nevertheless, EFTs in ES for K-12 environments have not been widely disseminated, and their impact on ES education has yet to be studied. This study presents the creation and implementation of an EFT in geology called “Rocks Really Rock: An Electronic Field Trip across Geological Time.” The program was implemented in seven schools in spring 2022. The EFT was built in Web Google Earth and had six stops that featured prerecorded videos recorded in different locations in Idaho (USA). The lead presenter or author used multimedia and science communication strategies such as storytelling to develop and teach concepts related to geological time, rock formation, and landscape-forming geological processes. The content aligned with four specific topics listed in the National Science Foundation's Earth Sciences Literacy Principles and intersected with the Next Generation Science Standards for middle-school classrooms. Participating students (n=120) completed a post-assessment after the program implementation to evaluate its impact. Results showed that the EFT positively impacted students' attitudes toward geology, geology careers, and perceptions of geology literacy. We identified the three main factors that determined a positive attitude change in K-12 students toward ES: (1) the use of videos and the Web Google Earth platform to create outreach materials for K-12 students, (2) the use of storytelling to craft the content of an EFT, and (3) the asynchronous interactions between teacher, student, and scientist. The results indicated a statistically significant positive change in attitudes toward geology, suggesting that participating in the EFT increased students' positive attitudes toward ES. These findings demonstrate the potential of expanding EFT to other ES fields and reaching middle- and high-school students. We suggest that EFTs are effective outreach tools that can address the challenges in ES education and that can be extended to other ES areas and distributed to students in middle, high, and home schools to support science educators in ES education.