Socioemotional Experiences of Students in Science and Other Academic Classes

• In Event: Roundtable Session 51
  In Roundtable Session: Students' Attitudes Toward and Socioemotional Experiences With Science and Science Education

Abstract

Both the United States and Finland have recently written new science standards in the hopes of increasing students’ engagement in science classes. This action comes as a result of concerns about decreased interest and motivation in science, especially for females. This study uses smartphone technology to survey students about their socio-emotional experiences in school in order to answer questions about how students are engaged differently in science and other academic classes. We find large differences in levels of engagement by subject between males and females, and we observe statistically significant differences between students’ socio-emotional experiences in science classes versus other academic classes. Limitations and implications for science practice are discussed.

Authors

• Christopher R Klager, Michigan State University

• Janna Inkinen, University of Helsinki