Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

6222

Date

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Civil Engineering

Concentration

Transportation Engineering

Committee Chair

Stephanie Ivey

Committee Member

Paul Palazolo

Committee Member

Alfred Hall

Abstract

Studies show that K-12 students struggle more with math and science courses than other topics, which can deter K-12 students from pursuing opportunities in these fields. This leads to a shortage of STEM workers while job opportunities in STEM continue to grow at a faster pace than others. The STEM Ambassador program is designed to increase K-12 students’ interest in and preparation for STEM opportunities through employing undergraduate students as mentors, STEM activity leaders and tutors in K-12 schools. Impact of the program was assessed by analysis of K-12 student test score data and survey data from K-12 students, K-12 teachers, and ambassadors. Data analysis revealed that students in classrooms with STEM ambassadors yielded significantly higher average test scores than those without. The STEM Ambassador program is an effective model for positively impacting K-12 student perceptions and knowledge of STEM concepts while improving critical skillsets with the Ambassadors as well.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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