Factors Affecting Studentsâ STEM Choice and Persistence: A Synthesis of Research and Findings from the Second Year of a Longitudinal High School STEM Tracking Study

Adem Ekmekci; Alpaslan Sahin; Hersh Waxman

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Factors Affecting Studentsâ STEM Choice and Persistence: A Synthesis of Research and Findings from the Second Year of a Longitudinal High School STEM Tracking Study

In: STEM Education 2.0

Authors:

Adem Ekmekci

Adem Ekmekci
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Alpaslan Sahin

Alpaslan Sahin
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Hersh Waxman

Hersh Waxman
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 279â304

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004405400_015

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Abstract

In this chapter, we first synthesize the last two decades of research on studentsâ intentions, choices, and persistence in the STEM pipeline (i.e., earning a postsecondary degree in STEM and/or joining the STEM workforce). In doing so, we frame the literature review by the social cognitive career theory (SCCT; Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994) with a special focus on underrepresented minorities (URMs) in STEM (Yu, Corkin, & Martin, 2017). SCCT centralizes three variables in forming career decisions: personal inputs, motivational factors, and contextual factors. We then introduce a 4-year longitudinal study tracking STEM intentions of high school students. The longitudinal study started with the 9th grade students and will conclude when the same students are in the 12th grade. As the study is in its third year, findings from the first and second year are summarized here. From 9th grade to 10th grade, there are positive changers (i.e., changing intention from non-STEM to STEM college major), negative changers (i.e., changing intention from STEM to non-STEM college), and non-changers. Focusing on negative and positive changers, findings from data collected through interviews of students delving into reasons for changing intentions from 9th to 10th grade are presented, describing the most critical factors influencing studentsâ decision making/changing. We discuss the results, implications, and limitations of the study informing both the research field (e.g., study design, future research areas) and the practice (e.g., focus on school level factors and steps to improve individual motivation).

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STEM Education 2.0

Myths and Truths â What Has K-12 STEM Education Research Taught Us?

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004405400

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 02 Aug 2019

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Chapter 17 Crossing Borders and Stretching Boundaries: A Look at Community-Education Partnerships and Their Impact on K-12 STEM Education

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Factors Affecting Studentsâ STEM Choice and Persistence: A Synthesis of Research and Findings from the Second Year of a Longitudinal High School STEM Tracking Study

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STEM Education 2.0

Myths and Truths â What Has K-12 STEM Education Research Taught Us?

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Factors Affecting Studentsâ STEM Choice and Persistence: A Synthesis of Research and Findings from the Second Year of a Longitudinal High School STEM Tracking Study

Myths and Truths â What Has K-12 STEM Education Research Taught Us?