Online Interactions With Cultural Role Models of Scientists and Engineers for Ethnic-Minority Students During COVID-19

• In Event: Informal Education Using Online and Hybrid Tools

Abstract

Supporting and retaining minority high school students in science is a continual concern for educators and administrators during COVID-19. This pilot study seeks to explore how an online science enhancement program can help to retain ethnic minority high school students in science through a series of Zoom meetings with cultural role-models of scientists and engineers during the pandemic. Study findings suggested that the online interactions with cultural role-models of scientists and engineers are recommended in order to foster ethnic minority high school students’ science learning and support their science identity. In addition, the pilot study suggests guidelines for further research on designing online enrich programs to enhance ethnic minority students’ science affinities.

Authors

• Jiyoon Yoon, University of Texas Arlington

• Katie K. Koo, University of Georgia