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Bridging the Virtual Divide: The Influence of Diverse STEM Role Models on the STEM Identity of Cyber School Students

Stith, Antionette (2024) Bridging the Virtual Divide: The Influence of Diverse STEM Role Models on the STEM Identity of Cyber School Students. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

In cyber charter schools, middle-school students face many barriers to developing STEM identity. My theory of improvement was to address sense of belonging in a large virtual classroom to develop STEM identity in my students. By utilizing diverse STEM role models that reflected my students’ racial or ethnic identities and an inquiry-based approach to teaching, my intervention nurtured the development of STEM identity in my online students. This intervention addressed both STEM identity and sense of belonging by encouraging students in underrepresented groups to participate and engage with STEM professionals who look like them in synchronous class sessions. This study shows promise for reducing the barriers to developing STEM identity online because the intervention can foster community and a sense of belonging in the virtual classroom while also teaching about STEM careers, diversity, and inclusion.

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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Stith, AntionetteAMS799@pitt.eduAMS7990009-0007-4711-8291
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairStein, Mary Kaymkstein@pitt.edumkstein0000-0002-5801-5999
Committee CoChairBoulder, Tinukwatboulder@pitt.edutboulder0000-0002-0881-7547
Committee MemberAnderson, Kaelin K.tonistith@gmail.com
Date: 28 May 2024
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 12 March 2024
Approval Date: 28 May 2024
Submission Date: 13 April 2024
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 124
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Education > Instruction and Learning
Degree: EdD - Doctor of Education
Thesis Type: Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: STEM Identity, Cyber Charter School, Diverse Role Models, Middle School, Inquiry-Based Learning, STEM Professionals, Sense of Belonging, STEM Careers, Improvement Science.
Date Deposited: 28 May 2024 20:18
Last Modified: 28 May 2024 20:18
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46103

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