The Influence of a Freshman iSTEAM Academy on Student Engagement and Educational Attitudes

• In Event: Facilitating Success and Persistence in STEM/STEAM

Abstract

In this study, we attempted to combat the escalating problems of student disengagement and dropout at a partnering high school by piloting and evaluating a teacher professional development program to create a freshman “iSTEAM Academy” designed to radically transform the freshman experience. Using the Experience Sampling Method, we found that students participating in the iSTEAM Academy were significantly more engaged than those in a more traditionally taught, comparison academy. They also demonstrated more positive attitudes towards STEAM subjects, and their desire to continue schooling increased during the academic year in contrast to students in the comparison academy. Implications of the study for future practice included the importance of forums for transdisciplinary collaboration, a supportive administrative, and continued professional development.

Authors

• David J. Shernoff, Rutgers University

• Denise Bressler, Rutgers University

• Isabella Massaro, Rutgers University

• Suparna Sinha, Rutgers University