Service+Learning+Project+Encouraging+Interest+in+STEM

 Sally Blomstrom, Associate Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University [ blomstrs@erau.edu ] ** Keywords ** : Community-based participatory research, STEM, K-12 students, speech
 * Service-learning project encouraging interest in STEM**

** Track ** : Program evaluation and assessment

** Format ** : Poster presentation


 * Date & time: ** Friday 3:20-4:30
 * Location: **Salon 4 / Salon 9

** Summary ** : This presentation focuses on a four-year service-learning collaboration, which includes a faculty member, the director of the Arizona NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC), an 8th grade science teacher, and the director of the local after-school program. The project involved students enrolled in speech to develop and deliver team presentations on science topics recommended by teachers in the state and coordinated by the NASA ERC. The audiences were teachers and students in the local area (students in 8th-grade science classes and participants in the afterschool program) and throughout the state (students and teachers who participated in online presentations.)

The problem addressed was the low interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) among K-12 students as evidenced by low test scores in the state (NCES, 2011). The university students who delivered the presentations demonstrated that science is interesting, fun, and engaging. They served as positive role models for the K-8 students. In addition to conveying scientific content, the university students communicated they valued science.

Research questions were posed regarding the project effectiveness from the perspectives of the teachers for both the face-to-face and the online audiences, the afterschool program participants, the NASA ERC, the university students and the faculty member. A mixed-method design was employed. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered and analyzed. Modifications are being made in terms of instruction, sequencing of presentations, and feedback gathered. Additional considerations for the online audience are being incorporated with the hope of increasing that outreach effort. More information is being gathered to better understand the impact of the role modeling and the content delivery for the after-school audience. A grant was received with funds to improve the technology students will use for the online presentations. The plan is to continue assessing and improving the project for all involved.

** References: ** Ammon, M. S., Furco, A., Chi, B., and Middaugh, E. (2001). //ServiceLearning in California: A Profile of the CalServe Service-Learning Partnerships, 1997–2000//. Berkeley: University of California, Service-Learning Research and Development Center.

Blomstrom, S., A, (2010). Identifying teacher effectiveness: Using student skill surveys, speech evaluations and quiz scores to inform instruction. //Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal//, 37, 116-132.

Blomstrom, S. A. & Tam, H. W. (2010). Assessing service-learning in public relations to improve instruction. In D. W. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Worley, D. A. Worley, B. Hugenberg, M.R. Elkins (Eds.), //Best Practices in Experiential and Service Learning in Communication//. Dubuque, IA: Great River Technologies.

<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Eyler, J., & Giles, D. E. (1999). //Where’s the Learning in Service-Learning?// San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Minkler, M. & Wallerstein, N. (Eds.) (2003). //Community based participatory research for health//. San Francisco, CA, US: Jossey-Bass.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;"> National Center for Education Statistics (2011). The nation’s report card: Science 2009 state snapshot report. http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pdf/stt2009/2011453AZ8.pdf

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;"> Shumer, R. D. (1997) Learning from qualitative research in A. S. Waterman (Ed.) //Service-Learning: Applications from the research//. Mahwah, NJ. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. 675.

**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please click here to access a PDF of this page: ** **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[|Blomstrom_ Service-Learning Project Encouraging Interest in STEM.pdf] **

**Please join the conversation about this session! To do so, please click on the "Edit" tab at the upper right, scroll back down to here, and lead the comment with your name.**