Through Their Eyes: Considering Students' Interests, Choices, and Experiences in the Design and Analysis of Inclusive STEAM Learning Environments

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Computational Thinking and the Learner and Educator Experience

Abstract

Equity problems in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), particularly in computer science and engineering, are well documented, in terms of both race and gender. Too often, efforts to address these inequities focus on simply getting female and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students in the door or keeping them in the pipeline, rather than designing learning spaces that are welcoming and inclusive and then asking students how they experience these spaces. Here we examine the inclusivity of a STEAM (STEM plus Arts) learning environment called XXXX, which is designed around student interest and choice. We analyze XXXX through the eyes of students, drawing on student interviews to understand how female and BIPOC students experienced this environment.

Authors

• Kay Ellen Ramey, Northwestern University

• Reed Stevens, Northwestern University