An Analysis of Two-Year STEM Intervention Program Effects on the Students' Beliefs and Attitudes

• In Event: 77.057 - MTCC Roundtable Session 35
  In Roundtable Session: 77.057-7 - Student Focus: Science Teaching and Learning SIG Roundtable Session

Abstract

This study evaluates a two-year STEM intervention program to gain a deeper insight into the students’ perception and opinions. The qualitative focus groups were conducted with students in the 4th - 7th grade (N=58) from eight primary schools in 2016 and 2017. The analysis indicates a general effectiveness of the conducted STEM program: students were mostly satisfied, they noticed an increase in knowledge about STEM fields and STEM professionals and have exhibited more positive attitudes and interests towards them. We discuss and emphasized several aspects which could be crucial for overall effectiveness of such a STEM intervention. The use of a qualitative approach in the evaluation of the STEM intervention program proved to be a good choice.

Authors

• Josip Burusic, Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar

• Mirta Blazev, Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences/JOBSTEM