School Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics Research Articles

Turning the Art of Karanga Beer Brewing Into a Science: An Example of Humanising Biology Teaching and Learning

South African National Senior Certificate examination reports consistently reflect poor performance in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects when compared to other subjects. This has resulted in a decline in the uptake of STEM subjects because many students perceive them as being difficult to learn. This phenomenon is not unique to South Africa, as many other African and developed countries are facing similar difficulties in terms of student participation in STEM subjects. Reasons for the low uptake of STEM subjects include perceived difficulty, perceived lack of ability, classroom experience of STEM subjects, and lack of enjoyment. Thus, STEM educators across the globe are confronted with the challenge of making the subjects attractive, accessible to, and relevant for students. Humanising the teaching of STEM subjects by building on Indigenous knowledges has been suggested as a way that secondary education could deal with these challenges, and turn them into STEM capabilities. The incorporation of Indigenous and other local knowledges into STEM subjects could promote authentic learning experiences, relevance, and inclusivity if teachers were prepared for this, and appropriate resources made available. In Africa, many children enrol in school while they are concurrently engaged in subsistence economic activities rooted in Indigenous practices. Leveraging the insights gained from these activities could humanise and enhance the relevance of school STEM curricula. Karanga beer brewing is one such activity that we participated in as children and, in this paper, we report our exploration of the science related to Karanga beer brewing and how it can be a way of humanising and promoting the relevance of school science and other STEM subjects.

Teachers’ perceptions of the barriers to STEM teaching in Qatar’s secondary schools: a structural equation modeling analysis

IntroductionEducators play a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic achievements, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. The instructional techniques employed by teachers significantly impact students’ decisions to pursue or persist in STEM disciplines. This research aims to explore the challenges faced by high school STEM teachers in Qatar in delivering effective STEM instruction.MethodsData was collected through a survey administered to 290 high school STEM teachers across thirty-nine schools in Qatar. The survey targeted teachers in the 11th and 12th grades. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized to analyze the data and examine teachers’ perceived barriers to effective STEM instruction.ResultsThe findings revealed various barriers hindering STEM instruction. These barriers were categorized into school-related, student-related, technology-related, and teaching-related factors. All the hypothesized teaching barriers [i.e., (student-related: β = –0.243, p < 0.001); (school-related: β = –0.122, p < 0.001), (technologyrelated: β = –0.123, p = 0.040); and (instruction-related: β = –0.112, p < 0.018)] were negatively related to teachers’ STEM teaching. Among the various obstacles, it appears that the most formidable challenges for high school STEM teachers are related to students (β = –0.243, p < 0.001).DiscussionUnderstanding these barriers is crucial for informing educational policies and developing strategies to enhance STEM learning in Qatar’s high schools. Addressing these barriers is essential to provide adequate resources, professional development opportunities, and support systems. By addressing these challenges, Qatar can foster a conducive environment for effective STEM instruction, thereby nurturing a future generation of STEM professionals.

Secondary school teachers’ interest and self-efficacy in implementing STEM education in the science curriculum

This study examines the role of Namibian secondary school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers’ interest in STEM education and self-efficacy in implementing STEM education in science education curricula. Furthermore, it aimed to distinguish male and female Namibian teachers’ interests and self-efficacy regarding STEM education and investigate how different teaching subjects affect them. To achieve this goal, a survey was completed with (n=200) secondary school teachers, both males and females. Data were analyzed quantitatively using exploratory factor analysis and analyzed covariance. The results show that most teachers were highly interested and confident in implementing STEM subjects into science curricula. While Namibian teachers indicated a high level of interest, they also revealed a high lack of interest in STEM, implying that at least some teachers felt bored and meaningless in implementing STEM education. However, gender plays a significant role in teachers’ negative self-efficacy, with male teachers being less confident than female teachers in implementing STEM education. Moreover, teachers in the present study have high positive and negative self-efficacy levels regarding implementing STEM education. Therefore, these findings highlight the need for a paradigm shift, especially in the Namibian science curricula, to promote STEM subjects and to improve science education. Potential implications from this research also suggest that teachers’ participants benefit significantly from learning within a community by engaging in solutions to real-world problems.

Exploring Pre-Service STEM Teachers’ Capacity to Teach Using a Gender-Responsive Approach

Teachers’ perceived efficacy of their ability to teach using a gender approach is key for future generations to become more gender-sensitive and respectful towards gender inequities. However, little is known about graduate training for gender-responsive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teaching. In this study, after exploring the measurement invariance across countries (Greece and Spain) and sexes (male and female) of the TEGEP (Teacher Self-Efficacy for Gender Equality Practice) scale, a total of 222 prospective secondary school STEM teachers (136 Greek, 86 Spanish) from seven public universities were surveyed. Results showed that (1) the TEGEP has acceptable measurement invariance across countries and among sexes allowing comparison between groups and (2) that Greek and Spanish STEM students finish their master studies without sufficient confidence in gender knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice a gender-sensitive teaching. The ability to teach gender knowledge was significantly higher in Greek than in Spanish students (4.52 vs. 4.03), while the latter felt more competent than the Greek students in conveying values/attitudes in regard to gender (4.54 vs. 4.83). The study calls for reflection, and considering that gender mainstreaming in STEM is anecdotal and not aligned with existing curricula, seeks to raise awareness and institutional compromise in implementing a gender-responsive approach in STEM. The TEGEP could be utilized to assess and monitor the gender competencies required of graduates in order to provide a more equitable and gender-sensitive STEM education in Greece and Spain.

Science Laboratory Environment and Attitude Towards Chemistry Lessons of Senior High School Students

This study determined which domain of science laboratory environment best influenced the attitude towards chemistry lessons on senior high school Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students. The research design used in this study are non-experimental quantitative and descriptive-correlational technique, utilizing universal sampling procedure. The total respondents were 144 Grade 12 STEM students enrolled in a sectarian school of Davao City. Survey questionnaires on science laboratory environment and attitude towards chemistry lessons were used as the research instrument in data gathering. Utilizing the mean scores; science laboratory environment and attitude towards chemistry lessons among the respondents were both assessed at a high level. Moreover, obtained data revealed that there is a significant relationship between science laboratory environment and attitude towards chemistry lessons among senior high school STEM students. Furthermore, open-endedness and future intention to study science significantly influenced students’ attitude towards chemistry lessons, but its open-endedness best influenced among all the domains of science laboratory environment.

Investing in the STEM workforce: microbiological safety in Australian secondary schools

Microbiology is increasingly being incorporated into secondary school biology curricula, an important component of science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) training. The microbiological competency of teachers and the availability of skilled laboratory technicians that understand the risks involved and the reasoning behind restrictions to protocols is vital for the safe execution of microbiology experiments in secondary schools. The addition of gene-modification experiments to microbiology curricula increases the complexity of experimental set-up and potentially exacerbates existing deficiencies in laboratory technique and disinfection practice. There is currently no targeted national program to up-skill school science teachers or laboratory technicians, which can leave these staff in vulnerable positions if they are asked to co-ordinate experiments that are beyond their expertise. It is important that such training is available, preferably as part of well-planned professional development and that continued online support is provided to answer questions swiftly and assist STEM school staff to conduct microbiology experiments safely. Improved integration between universities and high schools can be beneficial in this regard, not only in the safe teaching of microbiology in schools, but also in collaborative links formed between secondary schools and universities.

Stakeholder perceptions of mentoring in developing girls’ STEM identities: “you do not have to be the textbook scientist with a white coat”

PurposeGirls are underrepresented in many school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, leading to ongoing gender disparity in STEM careers. This issue is not new and has seen a range of initiatives implemented in an attempt to increase girls’ STEM participation. In Australia, a number of these initiatives have emphasised role models and mentors. This paper seeks to understand the influence of role models and mentors on girls’ STEM identities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents qualitative research undertaken with STEM experts into the influences on girls’ STEM identities. Data were collected through three phases involving semi-structured interviews, a forum and focus groups. Thematic analysis identified the importance of mentoring and role modelling in shaping girls’ STEM participation and identities.FindingsThis paper provides a basis for rethinking how and when role models and mentors can assist girls in making decisions about STEM. In particular, it reveals the need for role models and mentors to consider the role of relatability in developing girls’ STEM identities and the need to do this at multiple points throughout girls’ lives.Originality/valueThis article captures the perspectives of multiple experts involved in a variety of STEM professions on the topic of how mentors and role models can influence girls to consider STEM professions. Utilising the concept of identity, this paper sheds new light on girls’ interactions with role models and mentors and the value of storying in role modelling and mentoring relationships as an important component of girls’ identity work in relation to STEM.

Making Waves in the Classroom – Engaging students in STEM through hands-on coastal oceanography and engineering

A high school Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program was initiated to engage students in coastal processes and engineering concepts. Fourteen portable wave flumes were designed, fabricated, and delivered to high schools along the East Coast of the United States from New Jersey to Florida. The ∼5 m long flume consists of a motor-controlled wave paddle at one end and a sediment-surrogate beach at the other end for hands-on activities for coastal dynamics. Sensors for measuring water level and fluid velocity and education modules ranging from basic wave concepts to applications such as beach nourishment are provided to teachers to assist in education delivery. Pre- and post-module worksheets and overall program surveys are used as assessment instruments to gauge effectiveness of the program. The student and teacher assessment results indicate that the portable wave flumes and associated modules were successful in helping students understand coastal processes in an engaging and hands-on manner. All teachers surveyed indicated that they plan to use the flume again. Modifications in the future may include creating lesson plans with more open-ended questions to encourage student exploration, decreasing the apparatus footprint, and using an actuator-controlled wave paddle for irregular wave forcing.

Science and representation: examining the role of supplementary STEM education in elementary school student science identity

The last several years has seen numerous initiatives rise to increase representation of under-represented minority groups (URMs) in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) professions. Yet despite these efforts, disparities between students educated in the sciences and professionals in these fields persist. One significant contributor to these disparities is a lack of funding and support for science educational resources, particularly in low-income communities and school districts. The following paper evaluates the efficacy of an elementary school STEM educational program, known as the Young Scientists Program (YSP), which serves over 1400 elementary school students in seven Title I schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The specific aim of this project was to determine whether targeting a younger student population is more effective at promoting a greater sense of self-efficacy within science, ultimately encouraging students to see themselves as potential future scientists regardless of their socioeconomic status and cultural background. Students who participated in the program completed a pre- and post-program “Draw A Scientist Test” (DAST) and general Science Interest Survey. Statistical analysis of the quantitative data from these instruments showed a significant increase in the number of students who drew scientists that represented themselves and/or members of their community, and more positive attitudes toward STEM after participating in the YSP. These findings provide a model for continued program evaluation and comparison of previous years’ data for the YSP, as well as for evaluation of similar elementary school science programs.

Linking K-12 STEM Pedagogy to Local Contexts: A Scoping Review of Benefits and Limitations

Student engagement and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in primary and secondary schools is increasingly being emphasized as the importance of STEM skills for future careers is realized. Localized learning has been identified as a group of pedagogical approaches that may enhance learning in STEM by making the relevance of STEM clear to students and providing stronger connections to students’ lives and contexts. This paper reports on a scoping review that was conducted to identify the benefits and limitations of localized learning in primary and secondary school STEM disciplines. A secondary aim of the review was to identify strategies that increase the effectiveness of localized learning these disciplines. Following literature searches of four databases, 1923 articles were identified. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Potential benefits of localized learning included increases in enjoyment of STEM, improvements in learning, more positive STEM career aspirations, and development of transferable skills. The main challenges of these pedagogical approaches were time restrictions and lack of community involvement. Strategies for enhancing the impact of localized pedagogy included professional development for teachers (in STEM content knowledge, integration of localized pedagogy, and capacity to address socio-scientific issues), integration of technology, whole-school implementation of the pedagogical approach, and integration of the wider community into STEM education. These findings provide support for localized learning as an effective pedagogical approach to enhance STEM learning in schools, while emphasizing the critical roles of teachers and communities in supporting students to realize the relevance of STEM in their lives.

Investigating Perceptions and Skills of Gifted Students in STEM Education

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) provides a noteworthy conceptual lens for many countries when it comes to labor recruitment. For many countries, providing opportunities for gifted students at school and quality STEM education should be included. A limited number of qualitative study has focused in-depth on the skills and perceptions of gifted students in STEM education. Therefore, this article aims to explore gifted students' perceptions and skills by applying STEM education. The study was conducted with 17 middle school gifted students. It includes data collection, a series of interviews, student diaries focusing on the STEM experiences of gifted children, and a self-assessment form that allows students to evaluate themselves in activities. As a result, it was concluded that STEM education practices are important in discovering the perceptions and skills of gifted students, and that students improve their scientific inquiry, argumentation, technological inquiry, and creative thinking skills, and enable career choice to them. In addition, it seems that STEM activities need more work with gifted students.

Problematizing Perceptions of STEM Potential: Differences by Cognitive Disability Status in High School and Postsecondary Educational Outcomes.

The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) potential of youth with cognitive disabilities is often dismissed through problematic perceptions of STEM ability as natural and of youth with cognitive disabilities as unable. National data on more than 15,000 adolescents from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 first suggest that, among youth with disabilities, youth with medicated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have the highest levels of STEM achievement, and youth with learning or intellectual disabilities typically have the lowest. Undergraduates with medicated ADHD or autism appear to be more likely to major in STEM than youth without cognitive disabilities, and youth with autism have the most positive STEM attitudes. Finally, results suggest that high school STEM achievement is more salient for college enrollment than STEM-positive attitudes across youth with most disability types, whereas attitudes are more salient than achievement for choosing a STEM major.

Rural-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics teachers’ and learners’ acceptance of mobile learning

Background: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is faced with many challenges resulting in learners’ poor performance at matriculation level in South Africa. However, prior research has shown that mobile learning (m-learning) can be used to alleviate the challenges of STEM education. Prior research focused on tertiary institutions’ students and lecturers, in developed countries. However, very little is known about rural school STEM teachers’ and learners’ acceptance of m-learning. Objectives: The article investigates factors that rural-based STEM teachers and learners consider important when adopting mobile learning. Furthermore, the study also seeks to examine if there is a statistically significant difference between teachers’ and learners’ acceptance of mobile learning. Method: The research employed a quantitative approach. Stratified random sampling was used to select 350 teachers and learners to participate in the survey. Valid questionnaires received were 288 (82%), and data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Results: The proposed model explained 64% of the variance in rural-based STEM teachers’ and learners’ behavioural intention to use m-learning. Perceived attitude towards use was found to be the best predictor of teachers’ and learners’ behavioural intention. The results also showed no significant difference between teachers’ and learners’ path coefficients. Conclusion: The research recommends that awareness campaigns, infrastructure, mobile devices and data need to be made available for m-learning to be successfully adopted in rural areas.

School-STEM Professionals’ Collaboration: a case study on teachers’ conceptions

ABSTRACT The motivation for the design of this study was to understand the possibility and impact of the involvement of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professionals on school STEM education. This involved two stages, with the design of a set of authentic STEM inquiry activities firstly and implementation in primary classrooms secondly. Five teachers from a local primary school, who were making their first attempt in implementing STEM learning with students at senior primary levels, participated in this study. The teachers worked collaboratively with an Environmental Scientist with support from the research team to design authentic STEM activities to solve a problem which is currently affecting the school environment. The study used a qualitative approach with teachers’ pre- and post- concept maps, self-reflections and interviews to capture changes in teachers’ STEM conceptions. The findings showed that “School-STEM Professionals’ Collaboration” had a positive impact on teachers’ conceptions of STEM education and STEM professionals.

The Role of Parental Socializing Behaviors in Two Domains of Student STEM Career Interest

The shortage of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals worldwide calls for research to identify social forces that can foster student career interest in this domain. In this study, we examined the underlying structure of middle school student STEM career interest and the role of their parents’ STEM-specific behaviors in explaining this interest. Students (N = 488) reported their interest in eighth grade (Mage = 14.48 years), while parental data were collected approximately 15 months earlier. Parents (N = 488) reported on their encouragement of their child’s STEM interest, provision of STEM materials for the child, and their own participation in STEM activities. Student grades in STEM school subjects were collected at the end of seventh grade. The findings suggest that in this age, students differentiate between their interest in science and engineering–technology-oriented career activities. Boys showed higher STEM interest than girls but only in the engineering–technology domain. Prior STEM school achievement predicted student science interest but not engineering–technology interest. After controlling for student gender and STEM achievement, the overall parent STEM support predicted both types of STEM interest, equally for boys and girls. However, parents reported more STEM-specific practices in case of sons than daughters. The results are discussed in the framework of the ontogeny of children’s STEM vocational interest and previous findings on the gendered socialization in STEM within the family. Implications for interventions and curricula in the STEM domain are also discussed.

An Expectancy-Value Approach to Math Underachievement: Examining High School Achievement, College Attendance, and STEM Interest

Students’ academic underachievement, defined as discrepancies between ability and academic performance, is a widespread problem leading to many negative consequences. Our study examines high school students’ math underachievement, its motivational antecedents, and its impact on future math achievement, college attendance, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) interest. Using data from the nationally representative High School Longitudinal Study, we identified students who exhibited a math ability–achievement discrepancy between their standardized math scores at the beginning of ninth grade and their final math grade in fall of ninth grade. We then conducted generalized structural equation modeling to identify direct effects of math motivation on math underachievement along with the direct effects of math underachievement on future STEM and college outcomes. Informed by expectancy-value theory, we found that math motivation, as measured by value and expectancy beliefs was significantly associated with math underachievement. We also found that math underachievement was associated with a number of outcomes in the high school to college transition with evidence of moderation by high math ability. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.

Reducing Racial and Gender Gaps in Mathematics Attitudes: Investigating the Use of Instructional Strategies in Inclusive STEM High Schools

Inclusive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) schools operate with a mission to increase and broaden participation in STEM among all students, particularly girls and students from under-represented ethnic groups (e.g., ethnic/racial minorities). As such, inclusive STEM schools promote various instructional strategies, such as risk-taking, autonomy, and technology use, to help peak diverse students’ interests and achievement in STEM subjects. However, little research has investigated how these instructional strategies are implemented in inclusive STEM school settings, and whether these strategies reduce racial and gender gaps in students’ mathematics attitudes. The current study uses hierarchical linear regression analyses to investigate associations between such strategies (i.e., student autonomy, cooperation and teamwork, technology use, risk taking, and cognitively-demanding work) and students’ attitudes toward mathematics. Results indicate that higher levels of risk-taking in mathematics classes were associated with more positive mathematics attitudes for all students. Girls and African American students reported more positive mathematics attitudes compared to boys and White students when they experienced higher levels of autonomy in their mathematics classes. These findings suggest that some instructional strategies should be examined further for their potential to reduce persistent gaps seen in mathematics attitudes.

Revisiting Race and Gender Differences in STEM: Can Inclusive STEM High Schools Reduce Gaps?

Background: Over the past two decades, inclusive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) high schools have emerged as one strategy for increasing and broadening participation in STEM majors and careers, particularly for currently underrepresented students in those fields. However, limited research has examined whether strategies used in inclusive STEM schools can actually improve students’ STEM-related attitudes and academic achievement, and reduce gender and race/ethnicity gaps. Material and Methods: The current exploratory study uses multiple linear regression models to examine associations between students’ ratings of inclusive STEM school strategies and student outcomes. Interactions were also used to explore whether such associations differed by students’ gender identity and race/ethnicity. Results: Results indicate that when students report positive implementation of specific strategies used by inclusive STEM schools, race/ethnicity and gender gaps in science attitudes and overall academic achievement are reduced or reversed. Conclusions: Findings from this study set the stage for further research, suggesting that while some inclusive STEM high school strategies may have the potential to contribute to STEM outcomes across diverse populations of students, significant gaps remain.

“Can We Build the Wind Powered Car Again?” Students’ and Teachers’ Responses to a New Integrated STEM Curriculum


 
 
 Recently, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education has become a focus in the Australian context, particularly since the release of government-initiated reports into Australia’s falling performance on international tests and fewer enrolments in senior school STEM subjects and university STEM degrees. Since student engagement in STEM subjects begins to decline in primary school (Kindergarten to grade 6 in Australia [5-12 years of age]), addressing engagement and achievement in the STEM subjects requires support for teachers to design curriculum that enthuses students and develops their understanding of the role of the STEM subjects in solving real-world problems. To that end, a year-long professional learning program was developed to assist small teams of teachers from each of 13 primary schools in designing integrated STEM curriculum approaches. To determine the impact of the program on teachers’ capacity to design integrated STEM curriculum and on students’ STEM attitudes and aspirations, data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This paper presents a case study of one of the participating primary schools. From the 44 grade 3 students who completed both pre- and post-surveys, students’ attitudes and aspirations towards the STEM subjects showed significant positive shifts. Analyses of school documents and transcripts of interviews with four teachers and a group of four students from the school enabled.
 
 

Gender equity: how do the forensic sciences fare?

ABSTRACTFemales are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at all levels of society. Fewer females are completing STEM school subjects, graduating with STEM degrees, being employed as STEM professionals, and holding senior leadership and academic positions in STEM. However, unlike almost every other STEM discipline, the overall ratio of females is higher in many forensic science disciplines. For our sector, rather than having difficulty in attracting females, the bigger issue is how we retain and promote female talent. This complex issue is exacerbated by: gender pay gaps; family role expectations; lack of visible role models or mentors; discrimination and harassment; and bias during recruitment and promotion practices. We discuss barriers relevant for women in the forensic industry and offer potential solutions. These include flexible work arrangements, sponsorship programmes, and fostering and practising an inclusive workplace culture. Gender equity programmes and exemplar STEM organizations focused on a commitment to gender parity will be explored. Harnessing untapped female talent is as much a social justice issue as employing best practices for improving the quality, diversity and output of our forensic science workforce, and research and innovation strategies.