ERIC Number: EJ1055926
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-May
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2165-1434
EISSN: N/A
Qualitative Investigation of the Influence of STEM Mentors on Youth with Disabilities
Powers, Laurie E.; Schmidt, Jessica; Sowers, Jo-Ann; McCracken, Kasey
Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, v38 n1 p25-38 May 2015
Very little systematic research has been conducted on mentoring of youth with disabilities, especially science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) mentoring. This article describes findings from a qualitative study, conducted as a component of an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods investigation of the outcomes and processes of a STEM mentoring intervention for high school-aged youth with disabilities, provided by mentors with and without disabilities. Focus groups were conducted with 30 youth, 30 parents, and 28 mentors following their participation in a randomized trial of a mentoring intervention. Key themes include the benefits of mentoring for STEM career development, especially for older youth; the importance of relationship development, encouraging guidance, and participation in experiential activities; and personality and interest compatibility in successful mentor-mentee matching.
Descriptors: STEM Education, Mentors, Disabilities, Mixed Methods Research, High School Students, Focus Groups, Educational Benefits, Career Exploration, Occupational Aspiration, Self Esteem, Parent Participation, Interpersonal Relationship, Interpersonal Competence, Experiential Learning
SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: HRD-0834195