Date of Award

7-2021

Document Type

Action Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education

First Advisor

Yasemin Gunpinar

Department/School

Education

Abstract

The purpose of this action research project was to investigate the effects of intentional teaching strategies of problem-solving skills on student’s self-efficacy toward Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subject areas. The research was set in two secondary classrooms while in a virtual environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants included 36 students who spanned between 6th and 11th grade. Over four weeks, students participated in virtual synchronous activities in different areas of STEM. Throughout the research, pre and post-questionnaires, exit surveys, field notes, and open-ended reflection questions were collected, as well as virtual attendance data. Though consistent survey participation was a challenge, students did report an increase in positive feelings about STEM throughout the study. Further research is needed on how problem-solving skills are successfully taught in a virtual setting.

Included in

Education Commons

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