Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education
Date of this Version
12-2011
Citation
School Science and Mathematics 111:8 (December 2011), pp. 399–408.
doi: 10.1111/j.1949-8594.2011.00105.x
Abstract
This case study reviewed the collaborative efforts of university engineers, teacher educators, and middle school teachers to advance sixth- and seventh-grade students’ learning through a series of project-based engineering activities. This two-year project enriched regular school curricula by introducing real-world applications of science and mathematics concepts that expanded opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, introduced problem-based learning, and provided after-school programming (for girls only) led by engineering students from the local university. This engineering education initiative showed significant impact on students’ (1) confidence in science and mathematics; (2) effort toward science and mathematics; (3) awareness of engineering; and (4) interest in engineering as a potential career. With regard to gender, there were no significant differences between boys’ and girls’ responses. The girls’ confidence in their own skills and potential, however, was significantly more positive than the boys’ confidence in the girls. These results gave rise to new questions regarding mentor/mentee relationships and the overall effect of “girls only” mentoring.
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons
Comments
Copyright © 2011 School Science and Mathematics Association; published by Wiley. Used by permission.