College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-08 17:29:14
Major
Adolescent to Young Adult
Honors Course
431:003
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2023
Abstract
Improving high school students’ interest and confidence in STEM is a national priority. Educators and stakeholders in educational policy have pressed for increasing opportunities to engage students in authentic science experiences and focus on teaching 21st century skills. The purpose of this case study was to investigate how a summer research experience may have influenced high school students’ self-efficacy and career interests in STEM subjects and practices as well as identifying what students learned from their experience in the program. Pre/post program surveys were analyzed to measure change in student attitudes towards STEM and to capture students learning outcomes from the program. Even with a small group of students in the program, analysis of Likert scale survey items and open-ended responses provided practical insights in two ways: 1) Participation in a STEM summer enrichment program influenced student attitude toward STEM, and 2) Students learned about essential 21st century skills and were provided with opportunities for authentic science experiences. This study adds support that summer enrichment programs that emphasize teaching of 21st century skills and offering authentic science experiences can provide positive learning outcomes and increase student attitudes towards STEM areas.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Nidaa Makki
First Reader
Katrina Halasa
Second Reader
Dr. Donald P. Visco, Jr.
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Nidaa Makki
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Palicki, Olivia, "Investigating the Influences of Summer Experiences on Students' Self-Efficacy in STEM" (2023). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1726.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1726