Barriers and Opportunities for 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees

Barriers and Opportunities for 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2016-06-18

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 0309373573

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Nearly 40 percent of the students entering 2- and 4-year postsecondary institutions indicated their intention to major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in 2012. But the barriers to students realizing their ambitions are reflected in the fact that about half of those with the intention to earn a STEM bachelor's degree and more than two-thirds intending to earn a STEM associate's degree fail to earn these degrees 4 to 6 years after their initial enrollment. Many of those who do obtain a degree take longer than the advertised length of the programs, thus raising the cost of their education. Are the STEM educational pathways any less efficient than for other fields of study? How might the losses be "stemmed" and greater efficiencies realized? These questions and others are at the heart of this study. Barriers and Opportunities for 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees reviews research on the roles that people, processes, and institutions play in 2-and 4-year STEM degree production. This study pays special attention to the factors that influence students' decisions to enter, stay in, or leave STEM majorsâ€"quality of instruction, grading policies, course sequences, undergraduate learning environments, student supports, co-curricular activities, students' general academic preparedness and competence in science, family background, and governmental and institutional policies that affect STEM educational pathways. Because many students do not take the traditional 4-year path to a STEM undergraduate degree, Barriers and Opportunities describes several other common pathways and also reviews what happens to those who do not complete the journey to a degree. This book describes the major changes in student demographics; how students, view, value, and utilize programs of higher education; and how institutions can adapt to support successful student outcomes. In doing so, Barriers and Opportunities questions whether definitions and characteristics of what constitutes success in STEM should change. As this book explores these issues, it identifies where further research is needed to build a system that works for all students who aspire to STEM degrees. The conclusions of this report lay out the steps that faculty, STEM departments, colleges and universities, professional societies, and others can take to improve STEM education for all students interested in a STEM degree.


Book Synopsis Barriers and Opportunities for 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Barriers and Opportunities for 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2016-06-18 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nearly 40 percent of the students entering 2- and 4-year postsecondary institutions indicated their intention to major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in 2012. But the barriers to students realizing their ambitions are reflected in the fact that about half of those with the intention to earn a STEM bachelor's degree and more than two-thirds intending to earn a STEM associate's degree fail to earn these degrees 4 to 6 years after their initial enrollment. Many of those who do obtain a degree take longer than the advertised length of the programs, thus raising the cost of their education. Are the STEM educational pathways any less efficient than for other fields of study? How might the losses be "stemmed" and greater efficiencies realized? These questions and others are at the heart of this study. Barriers and Opportunities for 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees reviews research on the roles that people, processes, and institutions play in 2-and 4-year STEM degree production. This study pays special attention to the factors that influence students' decisions to enter, stay in, or leave STEM majorsâ€"quality of instruction, grading policies, course sequences, undergraduate learning environments, student supports, co-curricular activities, students' general academic preparedness and competence in science, family background, and governmental and institutional policies that affect STEM educational pathways. Because many students do not take the traditional 4-year path to a STEM undergraduate degree, Barriers and Opportunities describes several other common pathways and also reviews what happens to those who do not complete the journey to a degree. This book describes the major changes in student demographics; how students, view, value, and utilize programs of higher education; and how institutions can adapt to support successful student outcomes. In doing so, Barriers and Opportunities questions whether definitions and characteristics of what constitutes success in STEM should change. As this book explores these issues, it identifies where further research is needed to build a system that works for all students who aspire to STEM degrees. The conclusions of this report lay out the steps that faculty, STEM departments, colleges and universities, professional societies, and others can take to improve STEM education for all students interested in a STEM degree.


Indicators for Monitoring Undergraduate STEM Education

Indicators for Monitoring Undergraduate STEM Education

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2018-04-08

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 0309467888

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Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals generate a stream of scientific discoveries and technological innovations that fuel job creation and national economic growth. Ensuring a robust supply of these professionals is critical for sustaining growth and creating jobs growth at a time of intense global competition. Undergraduate STEM education prepares the STEM professionals of today and those of tomorrow, while also helping all students develop knowledge and skills they can draw on in a variety of occupations and as individual citizens. However, many capable students intending to major in STEM later switch to another field or drop out of higher education altogether, partly because of documented weaknesses in STEM teaching, learning and student supports. Improving undergraduate STEM education to address these weaknesses is a national imperative. Many initiatives are now underway to improve the quality of undergraduate STEM teaching and learning. Some focus on the national level, others involve multi-institution collaborations, and others take place on individual campuses. At present, however, policymakers and the public do not know whether these various initiatives are accomplishing their goals and leading to nationwide improvement in undergraduate STEM education. Indicators for Monitoring Undergraduate STEM Education outlines a framework and a set of indicators that document the status and quality of undergraduate STEM education at the national level over multiple years. It also indicates areas where additional research is needed in order to develop appropriate measures. This publication will be valuable to government agencies that make investments in higher education, institutions of higher education, private funders of higher education programs, and industry stakeholders. It will also be of interest to researchers who study higher education.


Book Synopsis Indicators for Monitoring Undergraduate STEM Education by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Indicators for Monitoring Undergraduate STEM Education written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2018-04-08 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals generate a stream of scientific discoveries and technological innovations that fuel job creation and national economic growth. Ensuring a robust supply of these professionals is critical for sustaining growth and creating jobs growth at a time of intense global competition. Undergraduate STEM education prepares the STEM professionals of today and those of tomorrow, while also helping all students develop knowledge and skills they can draw on in a variety of occupations and as individual citizens. However, many capable students intending to major in STEM later switch to another field or drop out of higher education altogether, partly because of documented weaknesses in STEM teaching, learning and student supports. Improving undergraduate STEM education to address these weaknesses is a national imperative. Many initiatives are now underway to improve the quality of undergraduate STEM teaching and learning. Some focus on the national level, others involve multi-institution collaborations, and others take place on individual campuses. At present, however, policymakers and the public do not know whether these various initiatives are accomplishing their goals and leading to nationwide improvement in undergraduate STEM education. Indicators for Monitoring Undergraduate STEM Education outlines a framework and a set of indicators that document the status and quality of undergraduate STEM education at the national level over multiple years. It also indicates areas where additional research is needed in order to develop appropriate measures. This publication will be valuable to government agencies that make investments in higher education, institutions of higher education, private funders of higher education programs, and industry stakeholders. It will also be of interest to researchers who study higher education.


Promising Practices for Strengthening the Regional STEM Workforce Development Ecosystem

Promising Practices for Strengthening the Regional STEM Workforce Development Ecosystem

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2016-02-12

Total Pages: 123

ISBN-13: 0309391148

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U.S. strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines has formed the basis of innovations, technologies, and industries that have spurred the nation's economic growth throughout the last 150 years. Universities are essential to the creation and transfer of new knowledge that drives innovation. This knowledge moves out of the university and into broader society in several ways â€" through highly skilled graduates (i.e. human capital); academic publications; and the creation of new products, industries, and companies via the commercialization of scientific breakthroughs. Despite this, our understanding of how universities receive, interpret, and respond to industry signaling demands for STEM-trained workers is far from complete. Promising Practices for Strengthening the Regional STEM Workforce Development Ecosystem reviews the extent to which universities and employers in five metropolitan communities (Phoenix, Arizona; Cleveland, Ohio; Montgomery, Alabama; Los Angeles, California; and Fargo, North Dakota) collaborate successfully to align curricula, labs, and other undergraduate educational experiences with current and prospective regional STEM workforce needs. This report focuses on how to create the kind of university-industry collaboration that promotes higher quality college and university course offerings, lab activities, applied learning experiences, work-based learning programs, and other activities that enable students to acquire knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to be successful in the STEM workforce. The recommendations and findings presented will be most relevant to educators, policy makers, and industry leaders.


Book Synopsis Promising Practices for Strengthening the Regional STEM Workforce Development Ecosystem by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Promising Practices for Strengthening the Regional STEM Workforce Development Ecosystem written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2016-02-12 with total page 123 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: U.S. strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines has formed the basis of innovations, technologies, and industries that have spurred the nation's economic growth throughout the last 150 years. Universities are essential to the creation and transfer of new knowledge that drives innovation. This knowledge moves out of the university and into broader society in several ways â€" through highly skilled graduates (i.e. human capital); academic publications; and the creation of new products, industries, and companies via the commercialization of scientific breakthroughs. Despite this, our understanding of how universities receive, interpret, and respond to industry signaling demands for STEM-trained workers is far from complete. Promising Practices for Strengthening the Regional STEM Workforce Development Ecosystem reviews the extent to which universities and employers in five metropolitan communities (Phoenix, Arizona; Cleveland, Ohio; Montgomery, Alabama; Los Angeles, California; and Fargo, North Dakota) collaborate successfully to align curricula, labs, and other undergraduate educational experiences with current and prospective regional STEM workforce needs. This report focuses on how to create the kind of university-industry collaboration that promotes higher quality college and university course offerings, lab activities, applied learning experiences, work-based learning programs, and other activities that enable students to acquire knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to be successful in the STEM workforce. The recommendations and findings presented will be most relevant to educators, policy makers, and industry leaders.


Graduate STEM Education for the 21st Century

Graduate STEM Education for the 21st Century

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2018-09-21

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 0309472733

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The U.S. system of graduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has served the nation and its science and engineering enterprise extremely well. Over the course of their education, graduate students become involved in advancing the frontiers of discovery, as well as in making significant contributions to the growth of the U.S. economy, its national security, and the health and well-being of its people. However, continuous, dramatic innovations in research methods and technologies, changes in the nature and availability of work, shifts in demographics, and expansions in the scope of occupations needing STEM expertise raise questions about how well the current STEM graduate education system is meeting the full array of 21st century needs. Indeed, recent surveys of employers and graduates and studies of graduate education suggest that many graduate programs do not adequately prepare students to translate their knowledge into impact in multiple careers. Graduate STEM Education for the 21st Century examines the current state of U.S. graduate STEM education. This report explores how the system might best respond to ongoing developments in the conduct of research on evidence-based teaching practices and in the needs and interests of its students and the broader society it seeks to serve. This will be an essential resource for the primary stakeholders in the U.S. STEM enterprise, including federal and state policymakers, public and private funders, institutions of higher education, their administrators and faculty, leaders in business and industry, and the students the system is intended to educate.


Book Synopsis Graduate STEM Education for the 21st Century by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Graduate STEM Education for the 21st Century written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2018-09-21 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The U.S. system of graduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has served the nation and its science and engineering enterprise extremely well. Over the course of their education, graduate students become involved in advancing the frontiers of discovery, as well as in making significant contributions to the growth of the U.S. economy, its national security, and the health and well-being of its people. However, continuous, dramatic innovations in research methods and technologies, changes in the nature and availability of work, shifts in demographics, and expansions in the scope of occupations needing STEM expertise raise questions about how well the current STEM graduate education system is meeting the full array of 21st century needs. Indeed, recent surveys of employers and graduates and studies of graduate education suggest that many graduate programs do not adequately prepare students to translate their knowledge into impact in multiple careers. Graduate STEM Education for the 21st Century examines the current state of U.S. graduate STEM education. This report explores how the system might best respond to ongoing developments in the conduct of research on evidence-based teaching practices and in the needs and interests of its students and the broader society it seeks to serve. This will be an essential resource for the primary stakeholders in the U.S. STEM enterprise, including federal and state policymakers, public and private funders, institutions of higher education, their administrators and faculty, leaders in business and industry, and the students the system is intended to educate.


Minority Serving Institutions

Minority Serving Institutions

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2019-02-05

Total Pages: 255

ISBN-13: 0309484448

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There are over 20 million young people of color in the United States whose representation in STEM education pathways and in the STEM workforce is still far below their numbers in the general population. Their participation could help re-establish the United States' preeminence in STEM innovation and productivity, while also increasing the number of well-educated STEM workers. There are nearly 700 minority-serving institutions (MSIs) that provide pathways to STEM educational success and workforce readiness for millions of students of colorâ€"and do so in a mission-driven and intentional manner. They vary substantially in their origins, missions, student demographics, and levels of institutional selectivity. But in general, their service to the nation provides a gateway to higher education and the workforce, particularly for underrepresented students of color and those from low-income and first-generation to college backgrounds. The challenge for the nation is how to capitalize on the unique strengths and attributes of these institutions and to equip them with the resources, exceptional faculty talent, and vital infrastructure needed to educate and train an increasingly critical portion of current and future generations of scientists, engineers, and health professionals. Minority Serving Institutions examines the nation's MSIs and identifies promising programs and effective strategies that have the highest potential return on investment for the nation by increasing the quantity and quality MSI STEM graduates. This study also provides critical information and perspective about the importance of MSIs to other stakeholders in the nation's system of higher education and the organizations that support them.


Book Synopsis Minority Serving Institutions by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Minority Serving Institutions written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2019-02-05 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There are over 20 million young people of color in the United States whose representation in STEM education pathways and in the STEM workforce is still far below their numbers in the general population. Their participation could help re-establish the United States' preeminence in STEM innovation and productivity, while also increasing the number of well-educated STEM workers. There are nearly 700 minority-serving institutions (MSIs) that provide pathways to STEM educational success and workforce readiness for millions of students of colorâ€"and do so in a mission-driven and intentional manner. They vary substantially in their origins, missions, student demographics, and levels of institutional selectivity. But in general, their service to the nation provides a gateway to higher education and the workforce, particularly for underrepresented students of color and those from low-income and first-generation to college backgrounds. The challenge for the nation is how to capitalize on the unique strengths and attributes of these institutions and to equip them with the resources, exceptional faculty talent, and vital infrastructure needed to educate and train an increasingly critical portion of current and future generations of scientists, engineers, and health professionals. Minority Serving Institutions examines the nation's MSIs and identifies promising programs and effective strategies that have the highest potential return on investment for the nation by increasing the quantity and quality MSI STEM graduates. This study also provides critical information and perspective about the importance of MSIs to other stakeholders in the nation's system of higher education and the organizations that support them.


Changing the Conversation

Changing the Conversation

Author: National Academy of Engineering

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2008-06-10

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 0309134358

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Can the United States continue to lead the world in innovation? The answer may hinge in part on how well the public understands engineering, a key component of the 'innovation engine'. A related concern is how to encourage young people-particularly girls and under-represented minorities-to consider engineering as a career option. Changing the Conversation provides actionable strategies and market-tested messages for presenting a richer, more positive image of engineering. This book presents and discusses in detail market research about what the public finds most appealing about engineering-as well as what turns the public off. Changing the Conversation is a vital tool for improving the public image of engineering and outreach efforts related to engineering. It will be used by engineers in professional and academic settings including informal learning environments (such as museums and science centers), engineering schools, national engineering societies, technology-based corporations that support education and other outreach to schools and communities, and federal and state agencies and labs that do or promote engineering, technology, and science.


Book Synopsis Changing the Conversation by : National Academy of Engineering

Download or read book Changing the Conversation written by National Academy of Engineering and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2008-06-10 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Can the United States continue to lead the world in innovation? The answer may hinge in part on how well the public understands engineering, a key component of the 'innovation engine'. A related concern is how to encourage young people-particularly girls and under-represented minorities-to consider engineering as a career option. Changing the Conversation provides actionable strategies and market-tested messages for presenting a richer, more positive image of engineering. This book presents and discusses in detail market research about what the public finds most appealing about engineering-as well as what turns the public off. Changing the Conversation is a vital tool for improving the public image of engineering and outreach efforts related to engineering. It will be used by engineers in professional and academic settings including informal learning environments (such as museums and science centers), engineering schools, national engineering societies, technology-based corporations that support education and other outreach to schools and communities, and federal and state agencies and labs that do or promote engineering, technology, and science.


Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation

Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2011-07-29

Total Pages: 229

ISBN-13: 0309159687

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In order for the United States to maintain the global leadership and competitiveness in science and technology that are critical to achieving national goals, we must invest in research, encourage innovation, and grow a strong and talented science and technology workforce. Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation explores the role of diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce and its value in keeping America innovative and competitive. According to the book, the U.S. labor market is projected to grow faster in science and engineering than in any other sector in the coming years, making minority participation in STEM education at all levels a national priority. Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation analyzes the rate of change and the challenges the nation currently faces in developing a strong and diverse workforce. Although minorities are the fastest growing segment of the population, they are underrepresented in the fields of science and engineering. Historically, there has been a strong connection between increasing educational attainment in the United States and the growth in and global leadership of the economy. Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation suggests that the federal government, industry, and post-secondary institutions work collaboratively with K-12 schools and school systems to increase minority access to and demand for post-secondary STEM education and technical training. The book also identifies best practices and offers a comprehensive road map for increasing involvement of underrepresented minorities and improving the quality of their education. It offers recommendations that focus on academic and social support, institutional roles, teacher preparation, affordability and program development.


Book Synopsis Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-07-29 with total page 229 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In order for the United States to maintain the global leadership and competitiveness in science and technology that are critical to achieving national goals, we must invest in research, encourage innovation, and grow a strong and talented science and technology workforce. Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation explores the role of diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce and its value in keeping America innovative and competitive. According to the book, the U.S. labor market is projected to grow faster in science and engineering than in any other sector in the coming years, making minority participation in STEM education at all levels a national priority. Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation analyzes the rate of change and the challenges the nation currently faces in developing a strong and diverse workforce. Although minorities are the fastest growing segment of the population, they are underrepresented in the fields of science and engineering. Historically, there has been a strong connection between increasing educational attainment in the United States and the growth in and global leadership of the economy. Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation suggests that the federal government, industry, and post-secondary institutions work collaboratively with K-12 schools and school systems to increase minority access to and demand for post-secondary STEM education and technical training. The book also identifies best practices and offers a comprehensive road map for increasing involvement of underrepresented minorities and improving the quality of their education. It offers recommendations that focus on academic and social support, institutional roles, teacher preparation, affordability and program development.


A 21st Century Cyber-Physical Systems Education

A 21st Century Cyber-Physical Systems Education

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2017-01-27

Total Pages: 107

ISBN-13: 0309451639

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Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are "engineered systems that are built from, and depend upon, the seamless integration of computational algorithms and physical components." CPS can be small and closed, such as an artificial pancreas, or very large, complex, and interconnected, such as a regional energy grid. CPS engineering focuses on managing inter- dependencies and impact of physical aspects on cyber aspects, and vice versa. With the development of low-cost sensing, powerful embedded system hardware, and widely deployed communication networks, the reliance on CPS for system functionality has dramatically increased. These technical developments in combination with the creation of a workforce skilled in engineering CPS will allow the deployment of increasingly capable, adaptable, and trustworthy systems. Engineers responsible for developing CPS but lacking the appropriate education or training may not fully understand at an appropriate depth, on the one hand, the technical issues associated with the CPS software and hardware or, on the other hand, techniques for physical system modeling, energy and power, actuation, signal processing, and control. In addition, these engineers may be designing and implementing life-critical systems without appropriate formal training in CPS methods needed for verification and to assure safety, reliability, and security. A workforce with the appropriate education, training, and skills will be better positioned to create and manage the next generation of CPS solutions. A 21st Century Cyber-Physical Systems Education examines the intellectual content of the emerging field of CPS and its implications for engineering and computer science education. This report is intended to inform those who might support efforts to develop curricula and materials; faculty and university administrators; industries with needs for CPS workers; and current and potential students about intellectual foundations, workforce requirements, employment opportunities, and curricular needs.


Book Synopsis A 21st Century Cyber-Physical Systems Education by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book A 21st Century Cyber-Physical Systems Education written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2017-01-27 with total page 107 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are "engineered systems that are built from, and depend upon, the seamless integration of computational algorithms and physical components." CPS can be small and closed, such as an artificial pancreas, or very large, complex, and interconnected, such as a regional energy grid. CPS engineering focuses on managing inter- dependencies and impact of physical aspects on cyber aspects, and vice versa. With the development of low-cost sensing, powerful embedded system hardware, and widely deployed communication networks, the reliance on CPS for system functionality has dramatically increased. These technical developments in combination with the creation of a workforce skilled in engineering CPS will allow the deployment of increasingly capable, adaptable, and trustworthy systems. Engineers responsible for developing CPS but lacking the appropriate education or training may not fully understand at an appropriate depth, on the one hand, the technical issues associated with the CPS software and hardware or, on the other hand, techniques for physical system modeling, energy and power, actuation, signal processing, and control. In addition, these engineers may be designing and implementing life-critical systems without appropriate formal training in CPS methods needed for verification and to assure safety, reliability, and security. A workforce with the appropriate education, training, and skills will be better positioned to create and manage the next generation of CPS solutions. A 21st Century Cyber-Physical Systems Education examines the intellectual content of the emerging field of CPS and its implications for engineering and computer science education. This report is intended to inform those who might support efforts to develop curricula and materials; faculty and university administrators; industries with needs for CPS workers; and current and potential students about intellectual foundations, workforce requirements, employment opportunities, and curricular needs.


Gender and Persistence in STEM Careers

Gender and Persistence in STEM Careers

Author: Margaret Rose Christie

Publisher:

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 136

ISBN-13:

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In recent years, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on increasing students' interest in math and science. Specifically, interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has been low among students in the United States, and interest seems to be lower among girls than boys. Additionally, increased emphasis has been placed on increasing female representation in STEM careers, as numbers of women in these fields remains disproportionately low compared to men. A variety of factors have been found to increase young people's interest in STEM, including parent and teacher factors, informal STEM experiences, self-efficacy in math and science, and individual differences such as curiosity and persistence. Previous research also indicates, however, that women may face specific barriers in STEM training related to their gender. The current study was an attempt to examine how predictors of STEM interest relate to each other and serve as predictors of pursuing a career in STEM. Further, the current study examined how pathways between these variables differ by gender. Finally, the current study explored the barriers experienced by students pursuing careers in STEM in an attempt to identify factors that deter women from entering these professions. For both men and women parental educational involvement predicted higher frequency of informal STEM learning experiences and lower ratings of persistence. For men only, parental educational involvement predicted higher curiosity and higher curiosity predicted lower persistence. For both men and women, higher frequency of informal science experiences predicted higher self-ratings of curiosity. For women only, frequency of informal science learning experiences in childhood was predictive of higher STEM self-efficacy. For both men and women, positive math and science high school teacher influence predicted higher curiosity as well as higher STEM self-efficacy. For women, math and science teacher influence was also predictive of higher likelihood of career selection involving STEM, whereas for men only, childhood informal science learning experiences were predictive of higher likelihood to pursue a STEM career. Lastly, higher likelihood of STEM career selection was predicted by higher ratings of STEM self-efficacy for both men and women. Exploratory models examining the influence of inquiry-based learning (IBL) experiences in high school science classrooms indicated that IBL predicted higher curiosity, STEM self-efficacy, and intentions to pursue a STEM career for both men and women. For women only, higher frequency of IBL in high school was predictive of lower self-ratings of persistence. This study adds to the current literature examining predictors of STEM career choice and explains how parental and family factors, school factors, and individual differences interact to explain differential pathways to STEM career interest for men and women.


Book Synopsis Gender and Persistence in STEM Careers by : Margaret Rose Christie

Download or read book Gender and Persistence in STEM Careers written by Margaret Rose Christie and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on increasing students' interest in math and science. Specifically, interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has been low among students in the United States, and interest seems to be lower among girls than boys. Additionally, increased emphasis has been placed on increasing female representation in STEM careers, as numbers of women in these fields remains disproportionately low compared to men. A variety of factors have been found to increase young people's interest in STEM, including parent and teacher factors, informal STEM experiences, self-efficacy in math and science, and individual differences such as curiosity and persistence. Previous research also indicates, however, that women may face specific barriers in STEM training related to their gender. The current study was an attempt to examine how predictors of STEM interest relate to each other and serve as predictors of pursuing a career in STEM. Further, the current study examined how pathways between these variables differ by gender. Finally, the current study explored the barriers experienced by students pursuing careers in STEM in an attempt to identify factors that deter women from entering these professions. For both men and women parental educational involvement predicted higher frequency of informal STEM learning experiences and lower ratings of persistence. For men only, parental educational involvement predicted higher curiosity and higher curiosity predicted lower persistence. For both men and women, higher frequency of informal science experiences predicted higher self-ratings of curiosity. For women only, frequency of informal science learning experiences in childhood was predictive of higher STEM self-efficacy. For both men and women, positive math and science high school teacher influence predicted higher curiosity as well as higher STEM self-efficacy. For women, math and science teacher influence was also predictive of higher likelihood of career selection involving STEM, whereas for men only, childhood informal science learning experiences were predictive of higher likelihood to pursue a STEM career. Lastly, higher likelihood of STEM career selection was predicted by higher ratings of STEM self-efficacy for both men and women. Exploratory models examining the influence of inquiry-based learning (IBL) experiences in high school science classrooms indicated that IBL predicted higher curiosity, STEM self-efficacy, and intentions to pursue a STEM career for both men and women. For women only, higher frequency of IBL in high school was predictive of lower self-ratings of persistence. This study adds to the current literature examining predictors of STEM career choice and explains how parental and family factors, school factors, and individual differences interact to explain differential pathways to STEM career interest for men and women.


Top Hacks For How To Easily Get Through A STEM Degree Program, Why Earning A STEM Degree Does Not Warrant The Opportunity Cost, And How To Make Substantial Money Without Being A Stem Degree Holder

Top Hacks For How To Easily Get Through A STEM Degree Program, Why Earning A STEM Degree Does Not Warrant The Opportunity Cost, And How To Make Substantial Money Without Being A Stem Degree Holder

Author: Dr Harrison Sachs

Publisher:

Published: 2020-02-18

Total Pages: 76

ISBN-13:

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This essay sheds light on the top hacks for how to easily get through a STEM degree program and also elucidates why earning a STEM degree does not warrant the opportunity cost. Moreover, how to make substantial money without being a STEM degree holder is delineated in this essay. Earning a STEM degree in the digital era is easier than anytime in history. An exorbitant amount of hacks can be leveraged so that that you attain a STEM degree, such as a Mechanical STEM Degree or Electrical STEM Degree, from an accredited university in an expeditious manner with minimal work on your end, such as being able to earn course credits through passing DSST or CLEP exams. STEM degrees include bachelor degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates which have a concentration in the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. A STEM degree does not include a degree with a concentration in the social sciences, such as a bachelor's degree of psychology, bachelor's degree political science, or bachelor degree's of sociology. Earning a STEM degree can require a high knowledge of mathematics and is far more cumbersome than earning a non-STEM university degree.Prospective STEM students should consider taking DSST and CLEP exams. These examinations are multiple choice and can be completed in less than a couple hours per exam. The DSST and CLEP exams cover a host of subject areas and there are no ramifications against your GPA if you were to not pass any of these examinations. The DSST and CLEP exams costs roughly $85 to take per exam (Sienkiewicz, 2019) which is less than 1/10th of the tuition cost of taking a college course. These examinations can allow you to attain 3 college credits per exam passed. You can also keep retaking these DSST and CLEP exams until you pass them. "There are 33 CLEP exams and 37 DSST exams available for students" (Sienkiewicz, 2019). By passing these exams, students can earn college credits without taking the various college course. These CLEP and DSST exams cover a broad range of subject areas, such as business, science, history, technology, economics, literature, mathematics, and humanities. This means that students who pass a copious amount of CLEP and DSST examinations can earn a exorbitant amount of college credits in a very short period of time and even finish a 4 year college program in half the time or less, 2-3 years instead of close to half a decade."The idea behind CLEP and DSST exams is that students who already have extensive knowledge in a subject do not have to waste time re-learning material. So, choosing a subject or subjects that you are already familiar with will allow you to simply review the material and therefore prove to a college that you are already proficient in it and taking the class is not necessary" (Sienkiewicz, 2019). Additionally, prospective STEM students can make headway towards earning their undergraduate degree early by taking community college courses amid their teenage years and advanced placement (AP) courses as high school students. "AP tests are scored on a scale from 1-5. If your college offers AP credit, a score of a 4 or higher could allow you to earn 3 college credits per AP test passed without paying college tuition. Some students are able to skip the entire first year of college this way, thus cutting the entire cost of their college education by one quarter" (Franek, n.d.). In addition to take advance placement courses in high school, prospective college students also have the option to enroll in community college courses to earn additional college credits. High school students taking community college courses will not only be able to earn their degrees sooner than their peers, but will also have a much better sense of what a community college course entails since they will have amassed first-hand experience taking college courses before even fully enrolling in an undergraduate degree program.


Book Synopsis Top Hacks For How To Easily Get Through A STEM Degree Program, Why Earning A STEM Degree Does Not Warrant The Opportunity Cost, And How To Make Substantial Money Without Being A Stem Degree Holder by : Dr Harrison Sachs

Download or read book Top Hacks For How To Easily Get Through A STEM Degree Program, Why Earning A STEM Degree Does Not Warrant The Opportunity Cost, And How To Make Substantial Money Without Being A Stem Degree Holder written by Dr Harrison Sachs and published by . This book was released on 2020-02-18 with total page 76 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This essay sheds light on the top hacks for how to easily get through a STEM degree program and also elucidates why earning a STEM degree does not warrant the opportunity cost. Moreover, how to make substantial money without being a STEM degree holder is delineated in this essay. Earning a STEM degree in the digital era is easier than anytime in history. An exorbitant amount of hacks can be leveraged so that that you attain a STEM degree, such as a Mechanical STEM Degree or Electrical STEM Degree, from an accredited university in an expeditious manner with minimal work on your end, such as being able to earn course credits through passing DSST or CLEP exams. STEM degrees include bachelor degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates which have a concentration in the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. A STEM degree does not include a degree with a concentration in the social sciences, such as a bachelor's degree of psychology, bachelor's degree political science, or bachelor degree's of sociology. Earning a STEM degree can require a high knowledge of mathematics and is far more cumbersome than earning a non-STEM university degree.Prospective STEM students should consider taking DSST and CLEP exams. These examinations are multiple choice and can be completed in less than a couple hours per exam. The DSST and CLEP exams cover a host of subject areas and there are no ramifications against your GPA if you were to not pass any of these examinations. The DSST and CLEP exams costs roughly $85 to take per exam (Sienkiewicz, 2019) which is less than 1/10th of the tuition cost of taking a college course. These examinations can allow you to attain 3 college credits per exam passed. You can also keep retaking these DSST and CLEP exams until you pass them. "There are 33 CLEP exams and 37 DSST exams available for students" (Sienkiewicz, 2019). By passing these exams, students can earn college credits without taking the various college course. These CLEP and DSST exams cover a broad range of subject areas, such as business, science, history, technology, economics, literature, mathematics, and humanities. This means that students who pass a copious amount of CLEP and DSST examinations can earn a exorbitant amount of college credits in a very short period of time and even finish a 4 year college program in half the time or less, 2-3 years instead of close to half a decade."The idea behind CLEP and DSST exams is that students who already have extensive knowledge in a subject do not have to waste time re-learning material. So, choosing a subject or subjects that you are already familiar with will allow you to simply review the material and therefore prove to a college that you are already proficient in it and taking the class is not necessary" (Sienkiewicz, 2019). Additionally, prospective STEM students can make headway towards earning their undergraduate degree early by taking community college courses amid their teenage years and advanced placement (AP) courses as high school students. "AP tests are scored on a scale from 1-5. If your college offers AP credit, a score of a 4 or higher could allow you to earn 3 college credits per AP test passed without paying college tuition. Some students are able to skip the entire first year of college this way, thus cutting the entire cost of their college education by one quarter" (Franek, n.d.). In addition to take advance placement courses in high school, prospective college students also have the option to enroll in community college courses to earn additional college credits. High school students taking community college courses will not only be able to earn their degrees sooner than their peers, but will also have a much better sense of what a community college course entails since they will have amassed first-hand experience taking college courses before even fully enrolling in an undergraduate degree program.