Which role models are effective for which students? A systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in STEM
Abstract Is exposing students to role models an effective tool for diversifying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? So far, the evidence for this claim is mixed. Here, we set out to identify systematic sources of variability in STEM role models’ effects on student motivation: I...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SpringerOpen
2021-12-01
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| Series: | International Journal of STEM Education |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-021-00315-x |
| _version_ | 1828957504555450368 |
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| author | Jessica R. Gladstone Andrei Cimpian |
| author_facet | Jessica R. Gladstone Andrei Cimpian |
| author_sort | Jessica R. Gladstone |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Is exposing students to role models an effective tool for diversifying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? So far, the evidence for this claim is mixed. Here, we set out to identify systematic sources of variability in STEM role models’ effects on student motivation: If we determine which role models are effective for which students, we will be in a better position to maximize role models’ impact as a tool for diversifying STEM. A systematic narrative review of the literature (55 articles) investigated the effects of role models on students’ STEM motivation as a function of several key features of the role models (their perceived competence, their perceived similarity to students, and the perceived attainability of their success) and the students (their gender, race/ethnicity, age, and identification with STEM). We conclude with four concrete recommendations for ensuring that STEM role models are motivating for students of all backgrounds and demographics—an important step toward diversifying STEM. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-14T08:29:59Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-2a024afdd9ea44949e4c6b3fd85ea0d8 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2196-7822 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-14T08:29:59Z |
| publishDate | 2021-12-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of STEM Education |
| spelling | doaj.art-2a024afdd9ea44949e4c6b3fd85ea0d82022-12-21T23:09:32ZengSpringerOpenInternational Journal of STEM Education2196-78222021-12-018112010.1186/s40594-021-00315-xWhich role models are effective for which students? A systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in STEMJessica R. Gladstone0Andrei Cimpian1Department of Psychology, New York UniversityDepartment of Psychology, New York UniversityAbstract Is exposing students to role models an effective tool for diversifying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? So far, the evidence for this claim is mixed. Here, we set out to identify systematic sources of variability in STEM role models’ effects on student motivation: If we determine which role models are effective for which students, we will be in a better position to maximize role models’ impact as a tool for diversifying STEM. A systematic narrative review of the literature (55 articles) investigated the effects of role models on students’ STEM motivation as a function of several key features of the role models (their perceived competence, their perceived similarity to students, and the perceived attainability of their success) and the students (their gender, race/ethnicity, age, and identification with STEM). We conclude with four concrete recommendations for ensuring that STEM role models are motivating for students of all backgrounds and demographics—an important step toward diversifying STEM.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-021-00315-xRole modelsMotivationScienceSTEMDiversity |
| spellingShingle | Jessica R. Gladstone Andrei Cimpian Which role models are effective for which students? A systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in STEM International Journal of STEM Education Role models Motivation Science STEM Diversity |
| title | Which role models are effective for which students? A systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in STEM |
| title_full | Which role models are effective for which students? A systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in STEM |
| title_fullStr | Which role models are effective for which students? A systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in STEM |
| title_full_unstemmed | Which role models are effective for which students? A systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in STEM |
| title_short | Which role models are effective for which students? A systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in STEM |
| title_sort | which role models are effective for which students a systematic review and four recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of role models in stem |
| topic | Role models Motivation Science STEM Diversity |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-021-00315-x |
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