The Effect of an NIH Project on Students' Science Identity and STEM-Efficacy in High-Needs Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Student Engagement, Identity, and Motivation in STEM (Table 9)

Abstract

The goal of our NIH project was to empower high school students to assist in safeguarding local water resources for present and future generations through the instruction of scientific knowledge. Additionally, the project aimed to extend students’ interest in the STEM field and help them build a sense of belonging and self-efficacy. By analyzing the quantitative data, we explored the effects of participation on students’ science identity and STEM-efficacy, controlling for demographic factors like race and gender. Compared with participants in the control group, results showed significant improvement in science identity and STEM-efficacy for the intervention group students. These findings offer promise for advancing student outcomes through our project, with implications for the enhancement of STEM education and workforce development.

Authors

• Weiyi Ding, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Sunha Kim, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Stephen Koury, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Sandra Small, University at Buffalo - SUNY