ERIC Number: EJ987644
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Dec
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 27
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1871-1502
Science Games and the Development of Scientific Possible Selves
Beier, Margaret E.; Miller, Leslie M.; Wang, Shu
Cultural Studies of Science Education, v7 n4 p963-978 Dec 2012
Serious scientific games, especially those that include a virtual apprenticeship component, provide players with realistic experiences in science. This article discusses how science games can influence learning about science and the development of science-oriented possible selves through repeated practice in professional play and through social influences (e.g., peer groups). We first review the theory of possible selves (Markus and Nurius 1986) and discuss the potential of serious scientific games for influencing the development of scientific possible selves. As part of our review, we present a forensic game that inspired our work. Next we present a measure of scientific possible selves and assess its reliability and validity with a sample of middle-school students (N = 374). We conclude by discussing the promise of science games and the development of scientific possible selves on both the individual and group levels as a means of inspiring STEM careers among adolescents.
Descriptors: Self Concept, Social Influences, Self Concept Measures, Behavior Theories, Middle School Students, Career Development, Science Careers, Science Instruction, Science Education, STEM Education, Educational Technology, Educational Games, Computer Games, Computer Assisted Instruction, Teaching Methods, Student Motivation
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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