Motivating and Preparing Students for STEM Careers: Culture, Learning, Experience, and Project-Based Learning

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable 2
  In Roundtable Session: School-Based Interventions to Promote STEM Learning

Abstract

Giving students access to rich, relevant STEM education is an ongoing concern given the needs of the future workforce and the challenges in schools, especially for students under-represented in STEM fields and girls. Project-based learning has been suggested as a way to make STEM more relevant and interdisciplinary. This study explores initial findings from a qualitative exploration of a project-based learning center, that is part of a public school district through the lens of social cognitive career theory. Students described culture, relationships, and the learning model which includes profession-based projects, field trips, clinicals, and shadowing opportunities as supporting their confidence related to entering the STEM field. Challenges within the program related to the pursuit of STEM careers are also discussed.

Authors

• Corliss Brown Thompson, Northeastern University

• Kelly Conn, Northeastern University

• Elizabeth Zulick, Northeastern University

• Ellen Whitman Stoddard, Northeastern University