STEM activities with family and educators expose students to diverse career paths
Activities children take part in with family and friends can help shape the fields of study and careers they pursue as adults. A new study published in the International Journal of STEM Education by FIU education researchers Chris Irwin and Zahra Hazari found that STEM activities and conversations with family, friends and teachers are among the strongest factors influencing students' motivations…
A recent study published in the International Journal of STEM Education reveals that family, friends, and educators play a crucial role in shaping students' interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers. FIU researchers Chris Irwin and Zahra Hazari analyzed data from over 15,000 first-year college students across 119 U.S. institutions and identified three distinct groups: leaders, scholars, and servers.
Students who combined enjoyment of STEM with a desire to help others reported the highest levels of enthusiasm for the field, yet those who prioritized helping others were less likely to pursue a STEM career. The researchers emphasize that educators and parents can broaden students' understanding of STEM careers by highlighting how professionals use their work to address global challenges and positively impact society. This approach could encourage more students to enter STEM fields with a focus on serving others.
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