Publication:
Impact of Materials Science and Engineering Clubs on student’s perceptions and aspirations towards STEM

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Authors
Pomales-García, Cristina D.
Reyes-Rivera, Zairelys
Mercado-Coon, Johana
Padovani Blanco, Agnes M.
Suárez, O. Marcelo
Álvarez, Jaquelina E.
Embargoed Until
Advisor
College
College of Engineering
Department
Department of Industrial Engineering
Degree Level
Publisher
Material Research Society
Date
2018-08-28
Abstract
This research evidences the impact of Materials Science and Engineering Clubs as an outreach effort to expand the education and training required for a competitive Nanotechnology workforce beyond traditional STEM areas. An engineering perception questionnaire was implemented as a pre-test/post-test to track student perceptions and goals throughout the academic year and identify trends amongst gender and school level groups. Findings (107 students) show a perceived increase in student knowledge and interest for different fields of study, based on pre/post-test responses, with differences amongst gender and school level groups (middle school and high school). Also, significant differences in students’ aspirations for higher education degree were found among school level and gender. Results show that over 20% of participants increased their aspirations to higher educational degree and their interest in pursuing STEM degrees at end of the academic year. Specific findings on engineering perceptions and perceived level of knowledge and interest in science, engineering, materials, and nanotechnology as a result of club participation and student’s educational aspirations, expectations and future study plans are discussed along with implications for future STEM education.
Keywords
Outreach,
Engineering,
k-12 students,
STEM
Cite
Pomales-García, C. D., Reyes-Rivera, Z., Mercado-Coon, J., Padovani Blanco, A. M., Suárez, O. M., & Álvarez, J. E. (2018). Impact of Materials Science and Engineering Clubs on student’s perceptions and aspirations towards STEM [Article]. Material Research Society. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11801/861