Mathematical Confidence and STEM Persistence in a Mathematics for Future Scientists Course

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Motivational Mindset Matters Among Majors in STEM (Table 6)

Abstract

This presentation reports on findings from a qualitative study at a Liberal Arts HSI on the west coast of the US, examining what drives first-year STEM majors to pursue STEM, how they describe their confidence in mathematics, and how a newly designed Mathematics for Future Scientists course can bolster mathematical confidence and support STEM persistence. Data sources include a STEM Autobiography assignment at the beginning of the course and an end-of-course reflection. This research informs future development of programming for STEM major undergraduates at the research site institution and offers broader impacts for equity-oriented undergraduate STEM education programming that fosters mathematical confidence and STEM persistence and retention, disrupting and challenging inequitable gatekeeping in remedial mathematics for marginalized students pursuing STEM.

Authors

• Mary Candace Raygoza, Saint Mary's College of California

• Mari-Anne Rosario, Saint Mary's College (CA)