Assessing Relationships Between Persistence Variables in Chemistry Laboratories for Traditionally Underrepresented Students Majoring in Engineering

• In Event: Science Teaching and Learning: Higher Education

Abstract

This study of a problem-based, career-forward chemistry laboratory curriculum for engineering majors examined changes in four key persistence variables across one semester. According to the Mediation Model of Research Experience, the curriculum was proposed to have a positive effect on efficacy and identity as an engineer, which in turn would promote career commitment. Results from the path analysis show that for URM participants, the strongest predictive relationship is between Identity as an Engineer and Commitment to an Engineering Career. Notably, Teamwork Self-Efficacy was found to be negatively predictive of Commitment to an Engineering Career for URM. This study adds causal support for professional identity as a key variable in predicting longer term career commitment for URM participants.

Authors

• Corey Payne, Saint Mary's College of Maryland

• Kent J. Crippen, University of Florida

• Charlotte Bolch

• Lorelie Imperial