Exploring the causes of initial interest and retention of interest in STEM

January 1, 2014 | Public Programs, Informal/Formal Connections

Researchers Maltese, Melki, and Wiebke investigated when lasting interest in STEM is sparked and how it is maintained by comparing the remembrances of adults who did and did not persist in STEM. Both groups said that they became interested in STEM early, usually by Grade 6. Those who persisted in STEM were more likely than those who did not to say that they had always been interested in STEM. Parents and teachers were early influences for those who stayed in STEM fields.

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TEAM MEMBERS

Anita Krishnamurthi

Author

Afterschool Alliance

Citation

Resource Type: Research Brief

Discipline: Education and learning science | General STEM

Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Middle School Children (11-13) | Adults

Environment Type: Public Programs | Informal/Formal Connections | K-12 Programs

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