Experiencing Childhood Science Talk: Identity Development of STEM Majors at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: New Directions in Informal Learning Environments Research: Families, Communities, and Careers

Abstract

Efforts to increase diversity of participation in STEM careers have included targeted science camps and programs for young people from marginalized populations. However, these efforts are not always designed to explicitly support STEM identity formation--a construct closely associated with STEM career pursuit. In this study we explore the connection between various childhood informal STEM learning experiences of Hispanic/Latino students at a Hispanic Serving Institution, their identification with STEM, and the factors that contribute to their STEM identity. Results show that talking about science with friends and family was the only informal learning experience associated with students’ STEM identity, and talking with close family about science was more relevant to their identity formation than talking with extended family or friends.

Authors

• Heidi Cian, Florida International University

• Remy Dou, Florida International University