Student Engagement in STEM Education: An Examination of STEM Schools, STEM Programs, and Traditional Schools

• In Event: Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: The Interplay of Math, Science, and Literacy II

Abstract

In this social construction inquiry, students’ perceptions and experiences regarding engagement were investigated using focus groups and walkthroughs across three schools and four settings, in two different metropolitan areas in the Midwest. Walkthrough analyses in all settings did not yield a preponderance of innovative or inquiry-based teaching strategies. More instances of cognitive engagement were noted in the STEM schools and the STEM Programs when compared to the other two settings. Focus group findings documented that students in STEM schools and STEM Programs are more likely to: 1) grasp the importance of student engagement, 2) experience challenging work, 3) increase cognitive and emotional engagement through teacher instructional practices and 4) understand how course content is related to future careers and education.

Authors

• Suzanne Franco, Wright State University

• Nimisha Patel, Wright State University