The Implementation and Evaluation of a University-Based Outreach Laboratory Program in Electrical Engineering

Smaill, Chris

doi:10.1109/te.2009.2022323

Cited by 22 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 11 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…One particular outreach format is the ambassador program, in which groups of undergraduate students deliver in-class presentations and hands-on activities to middle and high school students in order to illustrate the nature, impact and possibilities of engineering. Such visits can increase the audience's knowledge, interest and identification with science and engineering as well as awareness of and interest in STEM-related degrees and career options (Nadelson and Callahan, 2011;Molina-Gaudo et al, 2010;Habash and Surtamm, 2010;Sahin, 2013;Smaill, 2010;Wei and Wonch Hill, 2018). However, little is known about the ways in which participation in an ambassador outreach program might act as a professional development vehicle for the undergraduate student.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Emergence of Outreach Ambassador Role Identities in Undergraduate Engineering Students

Garner

Haas²,

Alley

et al. 2018

JSTEM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

One common form of outreach by colleges of engineering is the ambassador program, whereby students interact with middle and high school audiences in an effort to promote STEM-related career choices. Although the impact of such programs on K-12 students' knowledge and attitudes has been examined, less is known about the impact on the ambassadors themselves. In this research study, we use multiple case study methodology to understand the development of the ambassador role and its emergence at an initial workshop in which undergraduate students learn to craft and deliver engineering-related outreach talks. Narrative data from interviews with a purposefully diverse sample of six participants allowed us to analyze emerging ambassador role identities using the Dynamic Systems Model of Role Identity (Kaplan and Garner, 2017). Findings address three questions: (1) How do individuals' existing role identities inform the motivation to become an ambassador? (2) How did the role of workshop participant shape the development of the ambassador role? (3) Which features of the training workshop promoted the formulation of an engineering ambassador role identity? Analyses revealed that the ambassador role identity originates from and was very much aligned with components of students' other, pre-existing role identities. Also evident was a bridging sub-role of presenter, which was anchored in the action possibility of high quality technical communication. Theoretical and practical considerations for preparing undergraduate engineering students to take on an ambassador role are considered.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Emergence of Outreach Ambassador Role Identities in Undergraduate Engineering Students

Garner

Haas²,

Alley

et al. 2018

JSTEM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Similar initiatives have been reported all around the world by researchers such as Gattis et al (2003), Dawes and Rasmussen (2006), Elton et al (2006), Little and León de la Barra (2009), Lopez-Martin (2010), Rawot et al (2011), Smith and Monk (2005), and Smaill (2010). These initiatives are examples of activities aimed at changing stereotypes related to gender and technology as well as increasing interest in STEM fields through competitions, shows, school programmes, and recruitment activities.…”

Section: Characterisation Of Outreach Activitiesmentioning

confidence: 52%

“…According to Smaill (2010), the United States (US) has published the most reports on university outreach activities, especially school-based activities. Similar initiatives have been reported all around the world by researchers such as Gattis et al (2003), Dawes and Rasmussen (2006), Elton et al (2006), Little and León de la Barra (2009), Lopez-Martin (2010), Rawot et al (2011), Smith and Monk (2005), and Smaill (2010).…”

Section: Characterisation Of Outreach Activitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Outreach initiatives operated by universities for increasing interest in science and technology

Gumaelius

Almqvist

Arnadottir

et al. 2016

European Journal of Engineering Education

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Since the 1990s, the low number of students choosing to study science and technology in higher education has been on the societal agenda and many initiatives have been launched to promote awareness regarding career options. The initiatives particularly focus on increasing enrolment in the engineering programmes. This article describes and compares eight European initiatives that have been established and operated by universities (and in some cases through collaboration with other actors in society). Each initiative is summarised in a short essay that discusses motivation, organisation, pedagogical approach, and activities. In the introduction, the initiatives are characterised by looking at The initiatives are characterised by comparing the driving forces behind their creation, how the initiative activities relate to the activities at the university, size based on the number of participants and cost per participant and pedagogical framework. There seem to be two main tracks for building outreach activities, one where outreach activities are based on the university's normal activities, and one where outreach activities are designed specifically for the visiting students.

show abstract

“…To change this trend, students must be motivated to approach STEM disciplines with more interest, starting from K-12 education [5], [6]. The use of technology and interactive elements in K-12 education has been shown to play an influential role in achieving this [7], [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bioinspiring an Interest in STEM

2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Attracting K-12 students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is viewed as a critical element for benefiting both the economy and society. This paper describes an outreach program, conducted in a Brooklyn, NY, USA, public middle school, aimed at educating students in mechatronics, biology, and bioinspiration. The program is designed to foster student interest in STEM subjects, especially engineering-related concepts, by actively demonstrating their application in solving tangible real-world problems. It consists of a series of lectures and practical activities that culminate with a hands-on bioinspiration-based event at the New York Aquarium. Survey results show that students who participated in the program have a better understanding of the relationship between engineering and nature, demonstrate improved knowledge of select STEM topics, and are more interested in pursuing STEM careers.

show abstract

The Implementation and Evaluation of a University-Based Outreach Laboratory Program in Electrical Engineering

Cited by 22 publications

References 11 publications

The Emergence of Outreach Ambassador Role Identities in Undergraduate Engineering Students

The Emergence of Outreach Ambassador Role Identities in Undergraduate Engineering Students

Outreach initiatives operated by universities for increasing interest in science and technology

Bioinspiring an Interest in STEM

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About