Optimizing Instruments for Students' Spatial Learning Attitudes and Interest in Science, Technology, and Geospatial Technology

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Division D Section 1 Poster Session 2

Abstract

To evaluate our federally-funded geospatial learning curriculum project, two new instruments were created to assess high school students’ spatial learning attitudes and their interest in science and technology, related careers, and perceptions about geospatial technologies. During a two-year period, the instruments were implemented with 664 ninth grade urban students from a population traditionally underrepresented in STEM-related fields. Both classical and Rasch analyses were conducted each year to optimize and validate the instruments. The resulting 24-item STEM-GEO measure and 9-item SLA measure had high internal consistency reliability as well as Rasch reliabilities. Content validity and construct validity evidence were also summarized and discussed.

Authors

• Alec M Bodzin, Lehigh University

• Thomas C. Hammond, Lehigh University

• Qiong Fu, Lehigh University

• William Farina, Lehigh University