Beymer and Lei | EPET Brown Bag | April 10, 2017
Post date: Apr 10, 2017 7:2:9 PM
Patrick Beymer
Title: "Examining Relationships Between Choice, Affect, and Engagement in Out-of-School Time STEM Programs"
Abstract: My practicum research explores the relationships between student choice to attend an out-of-school time STEM summer programs, student affect, and engagement among adolescents. Although prior research suggests that proximal choice and affect have been shown to be related to student engagement, distal choice has not been fully explored as a possible predictor. Multilevel analysis of data collected through the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) and student surveys indicate independent effects of program choice and momentary affect on student engagement controlling on prior STEM program interest. Implications regarding how choice may impact motivational constructs and practical considerations are discussed for out-of-school time programs.
Ming Lei, David Wong, & Kathryn Appenzeller
Title "The Potential of Social Media for Enhancing the Intercultural Development of Preservice Teachers"
Abstract: Intercultural experiences do not always result in the development of intercultural sensitivity for preservice teachers. This study focused on how: (a) participation in intercultural experiences and self-reflections, and (b) participation in reflections with social media, were correlated to growth in the intercultural sensitivity of preservice teachers. This study tested the effect of social media use on intercultural sensitivity with a quasi-experimental design, where 188 undergraduate students in a teacher education course were randomly assigned to a control (no social media) or treatment (social media) condition. Participation in intercultural experiences was correlated with significant increases in intercultural sensitivity, but use of social media did not have an effect on overall changes in intercultural sensitivity. However, participants who used social media had significant increases in their aversion of other cultures and protectiveness of their own culture.