Teacher Candidate Perceptions of STEM Following an Informal Learning Experience

Author(s)

Megan RismillerFollow

Abstract

In this study, six teacher candidates are interviewed to discover their perceptions of teaching integrated STEM following an informal learning experience. As team leaders at a summer STEM camp, teacher candidates make observations and connections to STEM content areas and practices. Teacher candidates reflect on the behaviors of themselves and their students throughout the process, and note their discoveries about STEM in the classroom setting. They report these findings through a series of questions during a semi-structured interview. Findings show teacher candidates perceive STEM education as a method for engaging learning experiences, as a route to engage students in social-emotional learning, and teacher candidates found a new role for themselves as educators.

Department

Education

Major

Early Childhood Education – Inclusive

First Advisor

Dr. Thomas Roberts

First Advisor Department

School of Teaching and Learning

Second Advisor

Dr. Audrey Roberts

Second Advisor Department

Educational Foundations and Inquiry

Publication Date

Spring 4-23-2024

Repository Citation

Rismiller, Megan, "Teacher Candidate Perceptions of STEM Following an Informal Learning Experience" (2024). Honors Projects. 1091.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/honorsprojects/1091