“They’re Just All Part of Me”: Understanding Adolescent Identity From a Holistic Science Identity Framework

• In Event: Exploring How Identity and Epistemic Engagement Shape Learning

Abstract

Frameworks typically used to study science identity have the potential to inform research on other components of identity and holistic identity overall. The current study investigates adolescent identity and its development using an identity wheel activity and interviews with seven students. We found that students indicated different components of their identity as important and many included science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) within their identity. Additionally, the themes of sociocultural influences, taking action, and self were generated across interviews. These findings center students’ perspectives, align with multiple frameworks of science identity, and open possibilities for new research on holistic identity. This work provides critical information to help understand and support adolescent students’ identity development.

Authors

• Marisa Peczuh, University of Minnesota

• Keisha Varma, University of Minnesota