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Full-Text Articles in Education
Effects Of Robotics Instructional Methods On Computational Thinking Skills Of Middle School Students, Andrew Patrick Cook
Effects Of Robotics Instructional Methods On Computational Thinking Skills Of Middle School Students, Andrew Patrick Cook
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
As a tangible and motivating medium for students to engage in computational thinking, robotics has drawn interest from educators and researchers as K-12 schools continue to integrate STEM into curriculum. Through this mixed methods study, the researcher sought to explore the effects of robotics instructional methods (task-based and project-based) on the computational thinking skills of middle school students, including the problem-solving strategies used and the role of peer collaboration. The quantitative results of this study indicated no significant difference in the computational thinking skills of students participating in task-based or project-based robotics instruction. Interviews consisted of open-ended questions in which …
An Analysis Of Ubiquitous Learning Environments And Stem Confidence Building Among Hispanic Students, Torrence G. Temple
An Analysis Of Ubiquitous Learning Environments And Stem Confidence Building Among Hispanic Students, Torrence G. Temple
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
The fastest-growing demographic in the United States is also the one with the biggest struggle with academic success, particularly in STEM-related subjects. Pre-study research observed that one of the most significant factors facing Hispanics is their set of psycho-social behaviors influenced by cultural heritage. In a response to this challenge a solution was developed and over the two years of its implementation failure rates among Hispanic students dropped from department-wide chemistry class average of 40% down to under 10% in the treatment population. The purpose of this study was to identify a theory that identifies the relationship between individual factors …
Using A Multifaceted Robotics-Based Intervention To Increase Student Interest In Stem And Computational Thinking Skills, Mary Alice Hudson
Using A Multifaceted Robotics-Based Intervention To Increase Student Interest In Stem And Computational Thinking Skills, Mary Alice Hudson
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation examines the impact of a robotics-based intervention on elementary-aged students’ interest in STEM subjects and careers and development of computational thinking skills. Previous research suggests educational robotics programs integrate a wide array of skills projected to be essential for success in the workforce of the future. The current research was motivated by two research questions: (1) What is the impact of a robotics-based intervention on elementary-aged students’ interest in STEM subjects and careers? (2) What is the impact of a robotics-based intervention on elementary-aged students' computational thinking skills? To answer these questions, action research was used to examine …
Service-Learning In An Introductory Environmental Science Course: How Participation Impacts Course Content Knowledge And Agency, Mari Rice
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
Service-learning (SL) is a high-impact pedagogical strategy that has been shown to have both cognitive and affective benefits for students and has the potential to engage and involve a more demographically diverse spectrum of students into the field of STEM. However, research on the impacts of SL in STEM courses is limited, and therefore there is a great need to identify the specific outcomes linked to participation. In addition, faculty from STEM fields have been hesitant to incorporate SL into their curriculum due to perceptions that it lacks academic rigor. This purpose of this mixed-methods case study was to examine …
Research-Based Stem Educator Professional Development Rubrics For The Selection Of High-Quality Professional Development: A Mixed Methods Study Of Teacher Perceptions And Outcomes, Angela Hemingway
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
Idahoans failed to recognize approximately $240M in 2016 when over 3,800 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) jobs, with a median wage of $30 per hour, went unfilled. This further caused Idaho to lose $14M in state income tax receipts from these unclaimed positions (Idaho Department of Labor, 2016). To mitigate these economic losses, the Idaho STEM Action Center (STEM AC) was created to develop the STEM-skilled workforce that Idaho employers demand. High-quality, STEM-educator professional development (PD) is a critical component in ensuring students are equipped with the skills required to successfully thrive in the workforce and fill industry demands. …
Transformative Professional Development: Unraveling The Complexities Of Knowledge, Practice, And Beliefs, Janette Smith
Transformative Professional Development: Unraveling The Complexities Of Knowledge, Practice, And Beliefs, Janette Smith
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the impact of a comprehensive professional development project focused on inquiry-based integrated lessons to improve the quality of science instruction for elementary teachers. Eleven teachers from three Northwest school districts participated in this quasi-experimental design study. A focus of the study was to investigate the intricate relationship between four components of a professional development model: the professional development intervention, teacher practice, student outcomes, and teachers’ self-efficacy for science instruction. Five different measures were used both before and after the intervention: The Local Systemic Change Observation Protocol, a content knowledge assessment, a self-efficacy survey, a student content test, …
Finding Success In Elementary Science Across Socioeconomic Boundaries, Jill K. Hettinger
Finding Success In Elementary Science Across Socioeconomic Boundaries, Jill K. Hettinger
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
Elementary science education provides a platform for intellectual development, building a foundation of scientific literacy and a first entry point into interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. A significant body of research on elementary science education clearly defines what high-quality science education should look like at the elementary level. However, there is little understood about how to implement high-quality science instruction effectively within a school system. Prior research indicates that this problem is further compounded in low socioeconomic elementary schools by a lack of resources, time, and high teacher mobility. I used descriptive research to identify the …
Effects Of Peer Labeling On Middle School Student Engagement In Stem Subjects, Stacey Kristine Stanton
Effects Of Peer Labeling On Middle School Student Engagement In Stem Subjects, Stacey Kristine Stanton
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
Much attention has been given to the shortage of STEM professionals entering the workforce in the United States. Reasons for the disinterest in pursuing STEM degrees are many. Some argue students are disinterested with STEM content during early adolescence as a result of negative peer labeling, such as “brain” or “nerd,” towards individuals who demonstrate aptitude in STEM content. The purpose of my study was to investigate whether peer labeling in middle school is directed towards students who show an aptitude for STEM content, and further, to determine whether peer labeling impacts motivation and engagement in STEM content. There are …
Relationships Between F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Participants’ Roles And Their Educational And Degree Choices, Christine T. Chang
Relationships Between F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Participants’ Roles And Their Educational And Degree Choices, Christine T. Chang
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
The annual robotics competition that is held by the non-profit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (better known as FIRST) implicitly requires that the multifaceted teams subdivide in order to ensure that sufficient team resources are committed to all areas of the competition. The self-stated goal of FIRST is to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This study examines the relationship between FIRST participants’ specific roles on their teams and their subsequent academic and career pursuits. Study participants (N = 174) consisting of FIRST Robotics Competition alumni responded to an …