Finding One's Place in Engineering: Importance of Ability Appraisal for Belonging and Academic Performance

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session: Motivation in STEM Contexts

Abstract

Belongingness in school is associated with a host of important outcomes, though most empirical studies have failed to consider academic factors that may contribute to belongingness. We propose students’ appraisal of their ability as a novel academic construct related to belonging and academic performance. Based on survey data from 957 undergraduate engineering majors, we find that perceptions of ability are influenced by early academic experiences, have a robust indirect effect on GPA through perceptions of belongingness (above and beyond the effects of objective ability level), and may be experienced differentially by students of traditionally underserved backgrounds. The results suggest subjective academic factors may contribute meaningfully to experiences of belonging and academic performance, thereby presenting new opportunities for intervention.

Authors

• Christopher Leland Williams, University of Virginia

• Quinn Hirschi

• Josipa Roksa, University of Virginia