Students' Attitudes Toward STEM Project-Based Learning and Major Selection: The Case of Korea

• In Event: Math and Science Achievement in a Global Context

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between students’ attitudes toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project based learning (PBL) and intent to pursue a STEM major. A proposed model depicting the relationships was verified using structural equation modeling with 811 Korean students. Additionally, a mediation relationship was investigated and tested. Finally, the gender difference on the paths of the model was analyzed. The results indicated that students who were positive toward PBL components were more likely to have the intent to pursue a STEM major. In addition, hands-on activities played a role as a mediator, and the indirect effects from the PBL constructs through hands-on activities to STEM major selection were statistically significant.

Authors

• SunYoung Han, Sungkyunkwan University

• Sohyung Kim