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Unpacking Critical Socializers Impacting STEM Students’ Motivation at a Minority Serving Institution

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Conference

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Portland, Oregon

Publication Date

June 23, 2024

Start Date

June 23, 2024

End Date

June 26, 2024

Conference Session

Educational Research and Methods Division (ERM) Technical Session 11

Tagged Division

Educational Research and Methods Division (ERM)

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

8

DOI

10.18260/1-2--48208

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/48208

Download Count

54

Paper Authors

biography

Jeffrey Stransky Rowan University Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0002-4247-4322

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Dr. Stransky is a post-doctoral research associate in the School of Applied Engineering and Technology at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He obtained his PhD in Engineering Education and MS in Mechanical Engineering from ¬¬Rowan university. Dr. Stransky seeks to understand the engineering ideologies that promote potential disparities between engineers' practices and their micro- and macroethics. Dr. Stransky is passionate about developing innovative educational interventions that measurably enhance students’ skills and competencies.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4247-4322

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biography

Prateek Shekhar New Jersey Institute of Technology Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0001-6552-2887

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Prateek Shekhar is an Assistant Professor – Engineering Education in the School of Applied Engineering and Technology at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas - Austin, an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California, and a BS in Electronics and Communication Engineering from India. Dr. Shekhar also holds a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech. Prior to his current appointment, he worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Michigan. He is the recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher Award at the University of Michigan; and serves as a PI/Co-PI on multiple projects funded by the National Science Foundation. He currently serves in editorial capacity for the Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education, and Journal of International Engineering Education.

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Abstract

This work-in-progress study explores the role of socializers on students’ motivation at an MSI, by examining the research questions - 1) who are the socializers that influence student’s motivation to pursue and persist in their STEM education? and 2) in what ways do these socializers influence students' motivation? Socializers refer to the interactions and social influences that shape an individual's motivation, such as from colleagues, mentors, and family. Socializers often inform students’ motivation to obtain STEM degrees, yet there is minimal literature that examines the role of socializers among STEM undergraduates, particularly at minority serving institutions (MSI). This critical research gap inequitably disadvantages historically marginalized and non-traditional students. Using the Expectancy-Value theoretical framework, we answer the research questions using constant comparative thematic analysis performed on seven semi-structured interviews with STEM students at an MSI. Preliminary findings reveal that students primarily rely on peers and course instructors as positive motivational socializers. These groups can provide affirmation to improve students’ self-confidence (expectations). In contrast, students reported co-workers as negative motivational socializers. Particularly, students described that co-workers may challenge their decision to pursue STEM education, questioning the usefulness (utility value) and costs (cost value) associated with the degree. We present these findings on socializers to lay the groundwork for better supporting students’ from MSI in their STEM education pursuits. We discuss these findings for their implications for research and practice.

Stransky, J., & Shekhar, P. (2024, June), Unpacking Critical Socializers Impacting STEM Students’ Motivation at a Minority Serving Institution Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--48208

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