STEM Project-Based Learning in the Context of Mathematical Creativity

• In Event: Project-Based Learning in STEM and Beyond

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a mathematics-emphasized STEM project-based learning (PBL)-focused summer camp on secondary school students' affective and cognitive outcomes related to their divergent and convergent thinking skills in STEM, with a particular focus on mathematics. Using a mixed method sequential design, we examined changes in students' divergent and convergent thinking skills after they participated in the STEM summer camp, as well as the features of STEM PBL instruction that played a significant role in fostering their creative thinking in STEM disciplines. Our findings indicate that students improved their affective and cognitive outcomes related to both divergent and convergent thinking through mathematics-emphasized STEM PBL instruction.

Authors

• Ali Bicer, Texas A&M University

• Aysenur Bicer, University of Wyoming

• Tugce Aldemir, Texas A&M University

• Micayla Gooden, Texas A&M University

• Niyazi Erdogan, Texas A&M University

• Miriam M. Sanders, University of Wyoming

• Fay S. Quiroz, University of Wyoming