Development and Validation of the Questionnaire Assessing Connections to Science (QuACS)

• In Event: 30.059 - Innovations in Learning Environments Research in STEM Classrooms

Abstract

The researchers developed the Questionnaire Assessing Connections to Science (QuACS) to assess students’ perceptions of their learning environment, their attitudes toward science, and their engagement with science content through narratives and place-based learning opportunities. When the QuACS was field-tested with a sample of 495 undergraduate students during Spring 2016, data analyses supported the factor structure and internal consistency reliability of six scales: Personal Relevance, Innovation, Future Intentions to Study Science, Self-Efficacy in Science, Scientific Storytelling, and Place-based Learning.

Authors

• George Sirrakos, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

• Meredith Heffner, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

• Barry J. Fraser, Curtin University