STEM Related After-School Program Activities and Associated Outcomes on Student Learning

Abstract

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is a newly emerged paradigm which focuses mostly on science and mathematics disciplines, but which also includes technology and engineering (Bybee, 2010b). STEM education is considered a means to help individuals develop different strategies in order to solve interdisciplinary problems and gain skills and knowledge in order to sustain scientific leadership and economic growth in the United States (Lacey & Wright, 2009). Recent reports indicate that the next generation is not prepared to respond either to current demands or to those of the future (National Research Council [NRC], 2011). International indicators (e.g., TIMMS and PISA) report that US students exhibit a low level of performance in mathematics and science. In addition, there has been witnessed a decrease in the number of graduates from STEM fields (NRC, 2011;

Comparison of Science Process Skills with Stem Career Interests of Middle School Students

“…If Science process skills of students are improved, their career interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics would also improve. There were researches stating that science process skills and career interests of students could be improved via STEM and similar applications [17,35,36,27,37,38,8]. Applications improving career interests and Science process skills of students could be performed.…”

Views of Science and Mathematics Pre-service Teachers Regarding STEM

“…Besides, Bicer et al [3] (2015) STEM practices give students opportunity of working collaboratively, meaningful learning through hands on activities, and developing students' conceptual and procedural understanding. Moreover, Sahin et al [26] (2014) emphasized that STEM developed and practiced students' communication and collaboration skills and creativity for lifelong learning. STEM provided with the opportunity to acquire problem-solving skills and experience that students might encounter in their daily lives.…”

STEMulating Interest: A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Out-of-School Time on Student STEM Interest

“…For example, Harmony Public Schools utilize after school programs to further their mission to support STEM learning. Specially, Harmony Public Schools host several STEM related after school programs: (a) robotics, MATHCOUNTS, American Mathematics Contest (AMC), Science Olympiad, and University Interscholastic League (UIL) to name a few (Sahin, Ayar, & Adiguzel, 2014). Participating in afterschool programs, increases notions of self-perception, reduces maladaptive behaviors, and promotes growth in assessment measures, yet summaries of the effects of after school program effects on STEM attitudes remain elusive.…”