The Effectiveness of One STEM Intervention Program in Influencing STEM Motivation and Gender-Based Stereotypical Beliefs Among Middle Schoolers

• In Event: Reimagining Equity in Science Education

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a two-year STEM intervention program in increasing student’s motivation towards STEM school domain and STEM careers and in reducing gender stereotypical beliefs about STEM among middle schoolers (7th grades – 12-13 years old students). A quasi-experimental design was applied whereas 426 students were assigned into experimental group that participated in the intervention program and 416 in control group that only filled out the set of questionnaires. Study outcomes indicate how STEM intervention program had modest effects on increasing motivation of students for STEM while it was not effective as expected in reducing student’s gender stereotypical beliefs. These findings highlight the need for broader consideration and designing more targeted STEM intervention programs.

Authors

• Mirta Blazev

• Josip Burusic, Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar