A Longitudinal Phenomenological Case Study of Undergraduate Science Majors’ Motivation to Mentor Youth in STEM (Poster 18)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 9:35 am
  In Poster Session: Experiential Education and Community Engagement: Scholarship and Practice Poster Session

Abstract

This longitudinal phenomenological case study examines a STEM outreach program from undergraduate mentors’ perspectives using a motivational lens (SEVT; Eccles & Wigfield, 2020). Undergraduates (n=24) mentored K-12 classrooms through biology research projects, participated in pre- and post-questionnaires, and follow-up interviews four years later (n=4). We found that pre-mentoring themes focused on expectancy for successful and enjoyable outreach experiences and gaining skills for future careers. Post-mentoring, undergraduates emphasized enjoying the experience and reinforced research capabilities. Follow-up interviews revisited mentoring skills’ utility for current/future careers. Additionally, they expressed mentoring and providing value to society as part of their identities. Strong perspectives of value and personal importance may have overshadowed cost. Future research could utilize cost-benefit analysis to explore these constructs in combination.

Authors

• Maryann R. Hebda

• Kailah Hall, Baylor University

• Tracey N. Sulak, Baylor University

• Alex Tolar St. Louis, Mercer University

• Liesel Lutz, Baylor University