Giving Engineering a Trial Run: Teacher Perceptions of Learning in a Summer Engineering Academy

• In Event: 67.021 - Research in Science Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Early positive science and engineering experiences are believed to prime students for more success and interest in STEM fields in later education. Unfortunately, elementary educators are the least likely to have positive associations with science and engineering or to have the preparation or confidence to teach STEM lessons in their classrooms. The goal of this research was to understand how the experience of teaching an informal STEM program influenced teachers’ confidence for teaching in their formal classroom. We explored this impact through quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews.

Authors

• Joni M. Lakin, University of Alabama

• Mary Lou Ewald, Auburn University

• Charles Eick, Auburn University

• Nancy Blanco, Auburn University