Ethnic Group Differences in Middle School STEM Dispositions

• In Event: International Research on Challenges in Mathematics Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Data from 1,312 middle school students from nine states in the U.S. were gathered in spring 2015 during an NSF grant featuring middle school environmental science curriculum. Surveys related to STEM dispositions, career interest, climate change, creative tendencies and attitudes toward school were completed by participants, Significant (p<.05) differences by ethnic group were found on eight of the 13 measures. Large differences were found based on gender and grade level but not by reported interest in STEM as a career. A tendency for students of specific ethnic backgrounds to align their attitudes more with a STEM career, as the students advance across grades 5-8, was found. Implications of these findings for teaching and learning in a STEM-enhanced environment are discussed.

Authors

• Rhonda R. Christensen, University of North Texas

• Gerald A. Knezek, University of North Texas

• Tandra Lea Tyler-Wood, University of North Texas