Mapping High School STEM-Peer Communities: A Network Analysis of STEM Course Taking and Educational Pathways (Poster 33)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 8:00 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Advancements in Educational Data Analysis: Machine Learning, Multilevel Models, and Beyond

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of STEM-peer communities, identified through network analysis of the Adolescent Health and Academic Achievement (AHAA) data, on academic performance in high school. By analyzing nationally representative data, we discovered that students' participation in these communities positively correlates with their GPA in STEM subjects. A significant contribution of our research is the development of a conceptual model that elucidates the complex relationships between student course-taking patterns and academic outcomes across various educational settings. The findings underscore the importance of STEM-peer communities in enhancing student academic trajectories and preparing them for STEM careers, providing a basis for further research into educational strategies that support STEM success.

Authors

• Wenrui Huang, Brown University

• Lingxin Hao, Johns Hopkins University