Paths of Persistence: A Case Study of the Development of Six Adolescent Girls' Science Interest

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Gender and STEM

Abstract

This paper offers a case study analysis of the experiences of six high school girls in the Bay Area who participated in an extracurricular science program. Using frameworks of interest development and behavior, this study explored factors that supported or challenged each girl’s ongoing participation. Findings suggest patterns in the features most salient for girls at different stages of interest. Opportunities for short-term collaboration and phenomena-based excitement were most important to participants in earlier stages of interest development. In contrast, opportunities for ongoing collaboration and challenging projects were identified by participants in later stages of interest development. STEM Stereotypes and perceived relevance were salient to all. Data offer implications for program designers of adolescent science activities and future research.

Author

• Stephanie Rafanelli, Stanford University