Beyond the Classroom

Post date: Sep 08, 2019 6:10:57 PM

STEM intending students can lose their motivation for science at an alarming rate. A 2019 study by Middleton, Mangu, and Lee showed an overall attrition rate of 48% for STEM intending students between 9th and 11th grades. Our study also found high attrition in the control group. Fostering student interest through engagement and project-based learning, is proving to be successful in maintaining that interest. But we don't stop there. Our researchers want to focus on what matters most for our students.

During one of our summer professional development workshops, a teacher asked that we create a website where students could download their own copies of worksheets and curriculum materials. We thought this would be a perfect opportunity to connect directly with students about a variety of topics that go beyond the curriculum and content knowledge.

We decided to include topics such as:

• • How physicists and chemists help the people in their communities.

  • Up to date science news.

  • Ways science impacts everyday life.

  • Fun DIY chemistry projects for students to do with their parents.

  • A brief guide for choosing a college that will help them achieve their personal goals.

  • A career quiz.

  • Tips for applying to colleges.

  • Links to the FAFSA.

• Ways to improve success while they're in college.

  • Connections to organizations that promote representation in the sciences.

You can check out our student site at http://bit.ly/PIRE-Student

"Giving back to society was described in every focus group as one of the reasons for pursuing a science degree and career. Most Latino students (87%) reported prosocial reasons for pursuing their careers... Their comments suggest that they experience both a desire to contribute to society and sense of responsibility to their community. For example, when asked whether giving back to the community was important, another FG Latina student said, 'I think so, because that’s the whole purpose of it. Having a job that you could be proud of and that’s actually helping other people. Not just where you want to work and benefit yourself. When you’re working to help others or a group, that’s the whole point.'"

Matthew C. Jackson, et al. 2019

• • Jackson, Matthew C., et al. "Science that matters: The importance of a cultural connection in underrepresented students’ science pursuit." CBE—Life Sciences Education15.3 (2016): ar42

• Jackson, Matthew C., et al. "Talking about science interests: the importance of social recognition when students talk about their interests in STEM." Social Psychology of Education 22.1 (2019): 149-167.

• Middleton, James A., Daniel Mangu, and Andrew Lee. "A longitudinal study of mathematics and science motivation patterns for STEM-intending high schoolers in the US." Affect and Mathematics Education. Springer, Cham, 2019. 89-105.