Interest for STEM School Subjects in Primary School Students: The Role of Perceived Teachers' Beliefs and Behaviors

• In Event: Science Teaching and Learning: Elementary Science Education

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived teachers’ beliefs and behaviors and students’ interest for STEM school subjects in primary school and the moderating role of students’ gender and prior STEM school achievement in this relationship. The data from 557 eighth grade students who participated in a comprehensive research project (PROJECT NAME) based on a cohort-sequential longitudinal design are used. Students reported on their interest in STEM school subjects and perception of their STEM school subjects teachers’ expectations and certain teachers’ behaviors. The results show that perceived teachers’ expectations and behaviors are significant determinants of students’ interest for STEM school subjects and this relationship is not moderated by students’ gender and prior STEM school achievement.

Authors

• Josip Burusic, Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar

• Marija Sakic, Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences