High School English Learners' Information-Gathering Activities in the Context of Community-Based Engineering Design Challenges

• In Event: 69.020 - Research About Underrepresented Groups in Engineering and Computer Science Education

Abstract

This multiple case study describes the information gathering activities of high school English learners as they sought to solve community-based engineering design challenges while meeting bi-monthly in small groups over the course of one school year. The research team collected four types of data: observations of group meetings, individual interviews, participant-generated artifacts, and concurrent or retrospective protocols. A constant comparative analysis of these data indicated that the participants sought for information that fell under seven categories, including cost and visual models, and they consulted six types of resources, including sales associates and clients. This paper concludes with implications or points of consideration for science and engineering teachers who seek to support their ESL students’ information gathering activity.

Authors

• Amy Wilson-Lopez, Utah State University

• Michael D. Boatright, Western Carolina University

• Garret Rose, Utah State University