Digging into Research: Interest and Identity in STEM

Thursday, Aug 27, 2015 02:00 PM EDT

About this webinar: As afterschool educators, we get to see first-hand how STEM excites and engages kids. However, many of us have questions about how to go beyond the short-term and help kids develop a long-term interest in STEM. Current research offers us some models and also suggests that out-of-school educators can play an important role in supporting the development of a STEM identity, specifically by making explicit connections between the STEM topics kids encounter in school, at home, and in their communities.

This webinar is presented with our partner, Relating Research to Practice. We’ll be basing part of our discussion on their Connected Collection, Identity and Interest Development, which provides a brief overview of the current research. Be sure to take a look at it ahead of time and come ready with questions for our guest speakers!

Speakers:

• Molly Shea, Director, Center for Informal Learning and Schools, Exploratorium
• Phillip Bell, Professor, Learning Sciences & Human Development, University of Washington
• Deborah Fields, Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences, Utah State University
• Melissa Ballard, STEM Manager, Afterschool Alliance

Resources and Links:

• Read for the webinar: Identity and Interest Development

Click here to register.