Exploring Familial Influence and Engagement Through Joint Activity in an At-Home Engineering Program

• In Event: Families at the Center of Learning

Abstract

Balancing adult-centered and child-centered learning opportunities and programs remains a pervasive struggle. Therefore, the exploration of new methods for delivering content and opportunities that offer alternative ways for learning to take place is critical. Particularly for underrepresented content areas such as elementary level engineering, finding ways to blend traditional instruction with independent, child-oriented learning opportunities is essential to supporting equitable engagement and interest in such areas. This paper explores the pedagogical practice of joint activity in the context of a unique, at-home engineering program. Specifically, this study aims to understand how joint activity and collaborative familial participation manifests in the home and influences both child and caregiver understanding of, interest in, and engagement with the field of engineering.

Authors

• Peter N. Knox, University of Vermont

• Amber Simpson, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Claudia Bertolone-Smith, California State University - Chico

• Nikeetha Farfan Dsouza, Indiana University - Bloomington