Encouraging Students to Consider STEM Careers

Calls to action National Reports continue sounding the alarm that our workforce won’t be prepared to face the world’s challenges. Rather than only sounding of “doom and gloom,” they highlight actions that might mitigate the problems.

10,000 teachers, 10 million minds in K-12 Science and Mathematics Education” Published in 2007

“…commits $5.9 billion in FY 2007 to increase investments in research and development, strengthen education, and encourage entrepreneurship.” February 2006

Call to develop an action plan to address the specific shortage of Technology and Engineering students November 2006

The Numbers 80% of the fastest growing fields are in science and technology areas 50% of the current workforce is approaching retirement Domestic universities are preparing only half enough computer workers; projections show a shortfall of 750,000 workers by 2012

Can Teachers Convince Kids to Consider STEM Careers? The ITEST Learning Resource Center reviewed over 100 project evaluations; they came up with six factors that seem to have an effect in encouraging students to consider STEM careers.

1. Career Awareness Finding: Students won’t be inspired by jobs that they don’t know exist Suggestion: Whenever possible, encourage students to consider what it takes to accomplish science and technology tasks…

For instance, TEAM MOON: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon

2. Academic Preparation and Achievement Finding: Kids who enroll in and do well in STEM courses are the ones who end up in STEM careers Suggestion: Encourage kids to enroll in the next science and math courses and to use as many computer applications as possible.

Encourage students to look for opportunities such as working in a museum or volunteering with technology. Project- and product-based classes such as Technology Education and Family and Consumer Science can also nurture students’ problem-solving skills.

3. Identification with STEM Careers Finding: Students have to be able to envision themselves in a career before they will decide upon it. Suggestion: Avoid showing STEM workers as goofy geeks. Instead, choose materials that show science and technology folks as cool and capable.

Consider displaying posters of STEM heroes such as astronauts and Nobel Prize winners in your classroom. As possible, arrange for dynamic young guest speakers who can serve as role models to your students.

4. Self-Efficacy (or, if they think they can or they think they can’t, they’re right) Finding: Students need to see themselves as capable of success in STEM endeavors. Suggestion: Choose activities that give students plenty of chances to enjoy success. Nurture their good intentions and inner visions to develop a positive feeling about their own capabilities in STEM.

5. Interest, Enjoyment, and Motivation Finding: People in STEM careers cite positive childhood experiences with science. Suggestion: It’s a good thing to focus on the fun!

6. External Environmental Factors Finding: Students may have unsupportive parents and socialize with peers who don’t show value for STEM careers. Suggestion: Persistently portray STEM as cool and valuable to neutralize these experiences.