ERIC Number: EJ1204432
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Mar
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1571-0068
EISSN: N/A
An Analysis of Cultural Influences on STEM Schools: Similarities and Differences across K-12 Contexts
Lesseig, Kristin; Firestone, Jonah; Morrison, Judy; Slavit, David; Holmlund, Tamara
International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, v17 n3 p449-466 Mar 2019
Despite the increasing number of inclusive STEM schools, little is known about the cultural dimensions that influence STEM curriculum and instruction within these schools. This paper describes research conducted at three inclusive STEM schools, one each at the elementary, middle, and high school level. We explored similarities and differences in cultural dimensions across the schools with specific attention to how these differentially influence teachers' perceptions and enactment of STEM curriculum and instruction across the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Our cross-case analysis revealed structural aspects (school vision, community partnerships, course scheduling, and testing pressures) as well as professional orientations (i.e., instructional practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and teacher content knowledge) that appear particularly important to student learning experiences at each grade level. Navigating these factors of STEM school culture requires teachers to not only be knowledgeable but also to draw on a professional orientation that encourages collaboration and risk-taking. We discuss implications for teacher education and STEM school development.
Descriptors: Cultural Differences, STEM Education, Elementary Secondary Education, Curriculum, Instruction, Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Teacher Attitudes, Institutional Characteristics, Pedagogical Content Knowledge
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Elementary Education; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A