University Science Mentors' Perceptions of Virtual Interactions With Third-Grade Students in Rural Settings

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Eight
  In Roundtable Session: From Isolation to Pipelines: STEM Opportunities in Rural Places (Table 8)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of university science students who served as Scientists as Role Models and Mentors (SRM2) through participation in virtual classroom visits with high-needs third grade rural students After SRM2 participation in virtual classroom visits in the Spring of 2021, individual interviews were conducted with SRM2. Themes pulled from the data revealed that SRM2 found the most success during their visits when they were able to make personal connections with students, emphasize real-world science connections during lessons, and increase students’ engagement in potential science career paths. Our findings suggest that the use of SRM2 is an effective way to foster elementary students’ positive attitudes toward science learning.

Authors

• Beverly J. Irby, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author

• Abbey Bachmann, The University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston
  Presenting Author

• Henan Zhang, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author

• Rafael Lara-Alecio, Texas A&M University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Fuhui Tong, Texas A&M University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Cindy L. Guerrero, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author

• Kara Sutton-Jones, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author

• Huiwen Pang, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author