Nurturing Middle Schoolers' Perceptions of STEM Efficacy

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Fourteen
  In Roundtable Session: Learning Environments for STEM Education (Table 1)

Abstract

The PROJECT X Summer Academy offers rising 8th and 9th grade students an interactive STEM learning experience over the course of 5 days during a commuter summer academy. Students made daily reflective blog posts, completed pre- and post-academy surveys, and engaged in a focus group interview at the close of the academy. Data collected from students is used to evaluate the Academy experience in 1) deepening participants’ understanding of and ability to apply STEM content, 2) enhancing motivation to learn about and increase appreciation of STEM fields, and 3) increasing participants’ self-efficacy as STEM problem solvers and practitioners. Participant survey data indicate student efficacy increased by the end of the academy.

Authors

• Michael Hardy, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
  Presenting Author

• Katheryn Elizabeth Shannon, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
  Presenting Author

• Caleb Smith, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
  Presenting Author