Impacts of After-School Robotics Programming on STEM Interests and Attitudes

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Fostering STEM Interest and Engagement in Informal Settings

Abstract

Over the past two decades, educators and policy makers have expressed growing concerns over the levels of math and science achievement among American students and have called for an increased focus on STEM education. One result has been the growth of after-school STEM programs aimed at increasing involvement in STEM and the number of young people pursing STEM education and careers. However, despite that growth, research on after-school STEM programs is almost nonexistent, with only scattered studies of short-term outcomes. This paper presents interim findings from a longitudinal impact study of three national after-school robotics programs. The study is tracking over 1270 program participants and comparison students over 5+ years to examine impacts on STEM interests and attitudes.

Authors

• Alan L. Melchior, Brandeis University

• Cathy Burack, Brandeis University

• Matthew Hoover, Brandeis University