Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of The Stem Careers Intervention Series: A Community College Mathematics Class Stem Recruitment Tool
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Date
2018
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Community College Leadership Program
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Doctor of Education
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This item is made available by Morgan State University for personal, educational, and research purposes in accordance with Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Other uses may require permission from the copyright owner.
Abstract
The purpose of this action based, qualitative methods case study was to evaluate, in collaboration of the researcher with a participant faculty member, the effectiveness of The STEM Careers Intervention Series, a prescribed set of worksheets and videos purposefully designed to recruit students from community colleges to STEM fields. Ongoing qualitative data from the participant faculty member and participant students over the course of one semester was used to assess the effectiveness of the series as a recruitment tool for three cases of students: underrepresented minority general studies developmental mathematics students, female general studies developmental mathematics students, and the population at large of general studies developmental mathematics students. The researcher collaborated with one community college developmental algebra instructor who agreed to utilize the STEM Careers Intervention Series in her sections of developmental algebra over the course of one semester. Qualitative data was gathered from the participant instructor regarding perceptions of the usefulness of the series, overall class reaction to the series, cohesiveness of the series to the course curriculum, and proposed improvements for the series. Undecided and general studies students from the participant algebra sections were solicited to participate in this study. From eligible and willing students, three separate participant samples were specifically selected to represent three cases: underrepresented minority students, female students, and the general population. Student participants were required to take part in focus groups and to answer surveys to assess of the effectiveness of the prescribed intervention in altering their propensity to pursue STEM fields of study. Within focus group sessions and via the use of online surveys, participant students were asked open-ended questions pertaining to their propensity to the STEM fields and regarding their attitudes towards The STEM Careers Intervention Series. Study participants were also encouraged to offer suggestions for improvement of The STEM Careers Intervention Series.