Robotico: Students Empowering Diverse Future Talents in STEM (Poster 40)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 2:15pm
  In Invited Poster Session: Research Engagement and Development with Youth (READY) Program Invited Poster Session

Abstract

Amid South Korea’s growing diversity and widening socioeconomic gaps, equitable access to STEM education is increasingly important. This study examined a high school student–led robotics program designed to enhance elementary students’ STEM engagement and learning in underrepresented communities. Grounded in constructionism and sociocultural learning theory, the program emphasized hands-on creation and mentorship as key mechanisms for learning. Thirty students from two public elementary schools in the Seoul metropolitan area participated in the program, completed pre- and post-surveys, and eleven were interviewed. Results showed significant gains in coding concept understanding and interest, along with upward trends in STEM attitudes and career aspirations. Interviews confirmed that mentorship and collaborative robot building fostered curiosity, confidence, and future STEM aspirations among diverse learners.

Authors

• Insook Han, Korea University

• Stella Kwon, Korea International School

• Justin An, Korea International School

• Ian Shin, Korea International School