Fostering Equity: Building Positive Self-Concept and Multicultural Understandings Through 3-D Printing With Multicultural Literature

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Multicultural/Multiethnic Education SIG Poster Session

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how using 3D printing virtual labs with multicultural literature can help college students develop positive self-concept and sense of multicultural awareness in undergraduate STEM classroom. The instruments for data collection included self-concept questionnaire, multicultural concept questionnaire, students’ reflections, small-group discussion notes, and hour-long semi-structured personal Zoom video-taped interviews. Twenty college engineering students participated in this study. The findings suggest that using multicultural 3D printing project in engineering class can help students in developing a positive self-identity, and it can assist students in developing their sense of cultural awareness and acceptance of diverse people and perspectives. However, there is still a challenge to facilitate students to take action to solve global problems.

Author

• Show-Mei Lin, Tennessee State University