Careers in STEM Begin with Elementary Student Interest in Mathematics

• Main Author: Brimmer, Linda Ertrachter
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: ScholarWorks 2017
• Subjects: elementary math; highly effective teacher; Information and Communication technology; instructional strategies; self-efficacy; STEM careers; Instructional Media Design; Other Education; Science and Mathematics Education
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4272; https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5375&context=dissertations

I investigated why math capable students are not entering science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. To research the problem, I explored how highly effective elementary math teachers (HEMT) create student interest in mathematics using the self- efficacy (SE) theory and information and communication technology (ICT). The purpose of the study was to discover if teacher training and instructional strategies can influence student interest in mathematics to improve STEM career entry. The theoretical framework adopted for this study was the SE theory, and the 4-phase model of interest development was the conceptual framework. Participants in this multi-case qualitative study included 5 HEMT who work in a southern ICT-based urban school. The data gathered were individual teacher observations, interviews, and discussions about student artifacts, which were then analyzed for themes and patterns using NVivo software. The results indicated that the teacher participants use vertical curriculum experiences to improve student SE in 4th and 5th-grade students to fill-in curriculum gaps. Also, problem-solving math equations based on real-world simulations are used to stimulate and sustain a perceived student interest in mathematics. Additionally, ICT was used to augment math lessons and to personalize learning. Society will benefit from this information when educational stakeholders implement instructional strategies that improve student interest through the use of real life scenarios. Real-world math applications can influence elementary student interest in taking higher levels of math education that lead to STEM careers.