The Impact of Workshops and Graduate Coursework on Mechatronics on STEM Teachers' Efficacy and Beliefs

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 7:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Designing In-Service PD for STEM Teachers

Abstract

This programmatic evaluation documents the extent to which STEM teachers' efficacy and beliefs towards STEM changed after engaging in monthly workshops and completing a master's degree program that highlighted how mechatronics could be used to transform STEM learning environments. Ten (10) STEM teachers who were also master's students in mathematics or science education were the participants in the study. Data were collected via the T-STEM survey, which was administered at the beginning and end of the academic year, as well as through reflective responses at the end of monthly workshops focusing on mechatronics. The results suggest that the workshops and graduate coursework had a positive impact on teachers' efficacy and beliefs.

Authors

• Ruthmae Sears, University of South Florida

• Stephanie A. Arthur, University of South Florida

• Alfredo Rodriguez Vera, University of South Florida

• Robert Potter, University of South Florida

• Kelley Schuler, University of South Florida

• Aizhan Bakytbek, University of South Florida

• Alexandro Castellanos, University of South Florida

• Brandy Jackson, Aecern