Understanding STEM Switching Dynamics
37 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a common misconception about STEM fields?

  • STEM fields are fully integrated and function as a single discipline. (correct)
  • STEM fields are distinct but still interdependent.
  • STEM describes only the applied sciences.
  • Technology is sometimes seen as separate from STEM disciplines.

Which statement best describes the relationship between basic and applied sciences in STEM?

  • Applied sciences do not utilize principles from basic sciences.
  • Applied sciences are purely theoretical and do not involve practical applications.
  • Basic sciences inform and influence applied sciences. (correct)
  • Basic sciences develop independently of applied sciences.

What role does technology play within STEM disciplines?

  • Technology has no relevance outside of computer science.
  • Technology is considered a standalone field in STEM.
  • Technology is only applicable to engineering fields.
  • Technology often integrates and supports other STEM disciplines. (correct)

In higher education, how are STEM disciplines typically perceived?

<p>STEM is treated as separate from non-STEM disciplines. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which field of study primarily focuses on the interaction of biology, chemistry, and physics?

<p>Materials Science and Engineering (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does computational biology contribute to STEM?

<p>By using computers and mathematical models to analyze molecular structures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What example illustrates the interdependence of STEM fields?

<p>Chemical engineering requires understanding of both biology and physics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is directly related to students' retention in STEM majors?

<p>Faculty pedagogy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors was NOT found to significantly affect students' decisions to leave STEM fields?

<p>Class size (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of students is highlighted as leaving STEM fields at higher rates than others?

<p>Women and racial/ethnic minority students (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common attempt made to improve retention in STEM majors?

<p>Implementing academic support programs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What perspective is suggested to understand STEM students' decisions to switch majors?

<p>Identity lens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was NOT found to contribute to students' decisions to switch out of STEM majors?

<p>High competition among students (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Research shows that students’ ethnicity was determined to be what in relation to their intention to drop out of STEM majors?

<p>Not a significant predictor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What experience is suggested as vital to understanding the phenomenon of students switching out of STEM majors?

<p>Experiences and perceptions during college (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common characteristic shared by both switchers and non-switchers as indicated by the research?

<p>Similarities in abilities and motivations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a non-STEM major from a STEM major in this investigation?

<p>Non-STEM majors require less than three STEM courses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a contextual factor in STEM education?

<p>Curriculum difficulty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true about students in STEM-adjacent majors regarding their STEM education?

<p>They often learn STEM content to apply it to their majors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the study of STEM switchers as described?

<p>To explore the relationship between identity and major switching in college students (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do STEM switchers characterize their understanding of STEM?

<p>In terms of their interrelation within career choices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect has not been effectively covered in previous research on STEM switching?

<p>The characterization of STEM fields by switchers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'STEM switchers' specifically refer to?

<p>Students leaving STEM majors for non-STEM fields (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the grouping of STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) often questioned?

<p>There is little agreement on the definition and rationale for their grouping (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do high school students' perceptions of STEM influence their academic choices?

<p>They may deter students from pursuing STEM fields (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the understanding of why students switch from STEM to non-STEM majors?

<p>The way students construct their identities during college (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason why students switch out of their initial STEM majors?

<p>Issues with instructional delivery (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the switching from STEM majors a concerning issue?

<p>Labor shortages in some STEM industries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can understanding STEM switchers help elucidate?

<p>The phenomenon of STEM switching (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the increase in undergraduate students enrolled in STEM disciplines?

<p>Overall growth of STEM occupations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates students who switch from one STEM field to another?

<p>Development of a specific interest from elective courses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What demographic trend is observed among students switching majors in STEM?

<p>A larger proportion switch compared to other majors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of investigating where STEM switchers go?

<p>Understanding students' motivations and needs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which framework emphasizes experiences that either encourage or discourage individuals from engaging with science?

<p>Interactionist framework (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is considered crucial in understanding a student's persistence in STEM fields?

<p>Identity facets such as competence and performance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of STEM identity as expanded upon in recent research?

<p>A multifaceted concept informed by recognition, competence, performance, and interests (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does recognition play in shaping a student's science identity?

<p>It involves both self-recognition and acknowledgment from others (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

STEM Switchers

Students who initially choose a STEM major but later switch to a different major, either within or outside of STEM.

STEM Switching Rate

The trend of a higher percentage of students leaving their original STEM majors compared to other fields.

Factors Influencing STEM Switching

The reasons or factors that influence a student's decision to change majors, particularly from STEM to non-STEM.

Destination Majors of STEM Switchers

The fields or disciplines that STEM switchers choose after leaving their original STEM majors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Reasons for Choosing New Majors

The reasons or motivations behind a STEM switcher's choice of a new major, whether it's within or outside of STEM.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Implications of STEM Switching

The potential consequences of STEM switching, including the impact on the STEM workforce and the broader economy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Switching Research

The study and understanding of the reasons behind STEM switching, its patterns, and its implications.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Education

The field of study or area of research that focuses on the education and development of STEM professionals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is STEM?

The interdisciplinary nature of STEM fields where each discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) strongly relies on and influences the others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Who is a STEM switcher?

A student who initially chose to study a STEM field but later switched to a different major, either within or outside of STEM.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are students' perceptions of STEM?

The way students view and understand STEM, including their perceptions of the interconnectedness of the different disciplines within STEM.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is STEM identity?

A student’s sense of self and their belonging in STEM. It's influenced by their experiences in STEM fields.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are students' STEM learning experiences?

The experiences a student has while learning and engaging with STEM, including their interactions with instructors, peers, and learning materials.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why do STEM switchers switch majors?

The process of understanding why students choose to switch from their initial STEM major to a different field, using the lens of their evolving identity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do STEM learning experiences affect major switching?

The impact of students' STEM learning experiences on their perception of STEM and ultimately their decision to switch majors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How does students' perception of STEM influence major switching?

The complex interplay between students' perception of STEM disciplines and their decision to switch majors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM as distinct fields

STEM disciplines are seen as separate fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM as a unified discipline

STEM is viewed as one interconnected subject area, emphasizing the relationships between its components.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Basic Sciences

Basic sciences like biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences form the foundation of knowledge.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Applied Sciences

Applied sciences like agriculture, environmental sciences, and forensic sciences use basic science principles for practical applications.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Technology in STEM

Technology encompasses tools, techniques, and systems, like computers, internet, and satellites.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Engineering Disciplines

Engineering fields like chemical, civil, and mechanical utilize scientific principles for practical designs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Interdependence of STEM Fields

STEM disciplines are interconnected, relying on and informing each other, creating a web of knowledge.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Compartmentalization in Higher Ed

STEM education in colleges often separates disciplines, with distinct STEM and non-STEM majors and institutions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is considered 'STEM'?

A term encompassing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. It refers to the majors housed in colleges of engineering and natural sciences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are STEM-adjacent majors?

Fields of study related to STEM but not housed in the same departments. Common examples include health science and industrial design.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are non-STEM majors?

Major areas needing less than three STEM courses and not located in STEM-focused colleges. These are classified as non-STEM.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is STEM switching?

The change from a STEM major to a different major, either within or outside STEM. This involves shifting into new academic paths.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the STEM switching rate?

The observation of students leaving STEM majors in larger proportions compared to other fields. This indicates a trend of change within the student population.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are reasons for STEM switching?

Factors leading students to decide to switch majors, particularly from STEM to non-STEM fields.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the destinations of STEM switchers?

The various fields or disciplines that students choose after leaving their original STEM majors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What influences a STEM switcher's choice of new major?

The motivations and reasons behind a STEM switcher's choice of a new major, whether it's within or outside of STEM.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Major Switching

The decision to change majors from STEM to another field, often influenced by a student's evolving identity and sense of belonging within STEM.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Support Programs

Academic support programs designed to help students succeed in STEM fields, often by building connections with faculty and peers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Underrepresentation

The persistent underrepresentation of women and racial/ethnic minority students in STEM fields, despite efforts to address this imbalance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Individual Attributes in STEM Switching

Focuses on understanding the impact of students' individual attributes, including gender, ethnicity, family background, on their decision to switch out of STEM.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Identity

Refers to a student's sense of identity and belonging within STEM, which is shaped by their experiences and perceptions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Investigating STEM Experiences

The process of investigating students' experiences in STEM, including their perceptions, identity, and motivations, to gain insights into why they choose to switch majors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Factors Contributing to STEM Switching

Describes the factors contributing to student switching out of STEM majors, including academic performance, faculty pedagogy, and negative experiences in introductory classes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Competence

A student's belief in their ability to succeed in STEM, contributing to their sense of belonging in the field.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Performance

How a student demonstrates their STEM knowledge and skills, impacting their sense of identity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Recognition

External recognition and validation a student receives for their STEM skills and achievements.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Interest

The influence of a student's interest and passion for STEM on its identity development.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Economic Lens in STEM Identity

The financial aspect of STEM careers influencing a student's identity and career choices.

Signup and view all the flashcards

STEM Learning Experiences

The impact of experiences, interactions, and learning opportunities on a student's STEM identity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Multifaceted STEM Identity

The broader framework encompassing various aspects like competence, performance, recognition, interest, and economic factors, influencing a student's STEM identity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

STEM Switching Experiences

  • A larger proportion of students leave their initial STEM majors than other disciplines.
  • Nearly 40% of freshmen intend to major in STEM.
  • The number of undergraduate STEM students has increased in recent years.
  • STEM occupations have above-average growth compared to other sectors.
  • Labor shortages exist in some STEM industries.

STEM Switching Studies

  • Studies have investigated various factors for STEM switching.
  • A key unanswered question in previous research is the destination of students and their reasons for choosing their new majors.
  • Students may switch because of issues with instructional delivery or develop a specific interest in related fields from elective courses.

STEM as an Interdependent Field

  • STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are commonly perceived as distinct, though interdependent.
  • Fields like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Forensic Sciences, and Computer Science/Engineering are interdependent by sharing concepts and principles.
  • Examples where different fields interact, such as pH in biology using logarithmic scales in physics/mathematics, and materials science using principles of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and aided by technology, illustrate this.

Student STEM Experiences

  • Concerns about college students switching out of STEM fields are long-standing.
  • A previous study analyzed 23 factors associated with student switching; top four included: loss of interest, better non-STEM options, poor teaching, and overwhelming curriculum.
  • Other factors include faculty pedagogy, initial negative experiences in introductory courses, and academic interactions with faculty, peers, and university structure (advising/counseling).

Student STEM Identity

  • Identity is a key factor in studying student retention and persistence in STEM fields
  • Competence, performance, and recognition are key elements of STEM identity.
  • Experiences in STEM fields have a significant influence on STEM identity.
  • Environmental influences (peers, friends, family) can affect the perception of STEM majors.

Research Methodology

  • The study took place at a 4-year public university in the US during 2018-2019.
  • Participants included students from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
  • Students' background information, initial majors, semester of switching, final major, gender, and ethnicity were recorded for each.
  • Semi-structured interviews with 23 participants were conducted.
  • Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Student Switching Results

  • Many students had positive STEM experiences in high school, leading to their decision to pursue a STEM major.
  • Several students experienced challenges in STEM courses that affected their perceptions of STEM ability and competence, negatively influencing their STEM identity and causing them to switch majors.
  • For some, switching was part of a broader identity development process, including career goals, family expectations, and their interpretation of STEM fields.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Switching Lanes or Exiting? STEM Experiences, Perceptions, & Identity Construction PDF

Description

Explore the factors influencing students' decisions to switch STEM majors, and gain insight into their new academic pathways. This quiz delves into the growth of STEM fields and the interdependence of various disciplines within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

More Like This

STEM Education
5 questions

STEM Education

RealisticSard avatar
RealisticSard
STEM Education Policies
5 questions

STEM Education Policies

WondrousForest avatar
WondrousForest
STEM Education Importance
12 questions

STEM Education Importance

WorthwhileReasoning avatar
WorthwhileReasoning
Introduction to Engineering
39 questions

Introduction to Engineering

HeavenlyBromeliad avatar
HeavenlyBromeliad
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser