ERIC Number: EJ1123039
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-0541
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Available Date: N/A
Part of What We Do: Teacher Perceptions of STEM Integration
Stubbs, Eric A.; Myers, Brian E.
Journal of Agricultural Education, v57 n3 p87-100 2016
This study explored three high school agriculture teachers' perceptions of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) integration through interviews. The approach was constructivist and data were analyzed according to the framework of integrated STEM education presented in a National Academy of Sciences report. Each participant agreed to complete three interviews that first investigated past experiences, then present perceptions, and lastly reflections on meaning. A total of about six hours of interview data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Teacher perceptions were outlined individually and then compared. The teachers shared similar perceptions related to time constraints, the effects of STEM integration, concerns about rapport with students, how agricultural education has changed, and curricular resources. Perceptions aligned well with the framework of integrated STEM education because teachers described increased student interest, motivation, and career-readiness due to agriculture programs, and these perceptions were in some cases supported by non-agriculture teachers. Misconceptions of STEM education included incomplete definitions of engineering education and viewing the use of instructional technology as STEM education. Teacher educators may benefit from increased insight into the perceptions of veteran teachers.
Descriptors: High Schools, Secondary School Teachers, STEM Education, Agricultural Education, Interdisciplinary Approach, Comparative Analysis, Teacher Attitudes, Time Factors (Learning), Teacher Student Relationship, Educational Change, Educational Resources, Student Interests, Student Motivation, Career Readiness, Misconceptions, Semi Structured Interviews
American Association for Agricultural Education. P.O. Box 7607, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, Raleigh, NC 27695. Web site: http://www.aaaeonline.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A