Development of a Survey Instrument to Measure Engineering Identity Components in Elementary Students

• In Event: 64.030 - Engineering and Computer Science in K–12 Contexts

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a survey instrument to measure engineering identity and interest in elementary students. Four phases of survey development involved 517 elementary students from diverse communities in the United States. Building upon established instruments, this instrument assesses performance/competence, recognition, and interest as components of engineering identity. Exploratory factor analyses indicated a six-factor solution that included these constructs and added aspects of “doing” engineering. Efforts to broaden participation in engineering by members of historically underrepresented groups often consider the development and maintenance of engineering identity. Measurement of engineering identity predominantly has focused on undergraduate students, yet much identity work occurs in adolescence. This survey contributes to the understanding the engineering identities of preadolescent and adolescent youth.

Authors

• Kelli M. Paul, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Adam V. Maltese, Indiana University

• Karen Miel

• Merredith Desiree Portsmore, Tufts University