ENGAGING STUDENTS IN STEM CAREERS WITH PROJECT BASED LEARNING – MARINE TECH PROJECT

摘要

Low enrollment and high attrition rates in Science,rnTechnology, Engineering and Math (STEM) based degreernprograms have created a workforce problem in industriesrnlike shipbuilding and repair which are important forrnnational security. Part of this problem can be attributedrnpedagogical issues like lack of engaging hands-onrnactivities utilized for science and math education inrnmiddle and high schools. Lack of student interest inrntechnical careers can also be attributed to lack of anrnintegrated approach in teaching math, science andrntechnical education. To engage student’s interest in therntechnical career path, it is important that studentsrnestablish a link between the theoretical knowledge and itsrnapplication to solve real life problems early in theirrnlearning experience. Project based activities have arnproven record as instructional tool. Effectiveness of suchrnactivities as a pedagogical tool has been supported byrnresearch in the acquisition and retention of knowledge.rnThe MarineTech Project funded by the National SciencernFoundation and the Shipbuilding and Repair Career DayrnEvents (SBRCD) project funded by the NationalrnShipbuilding Research Program have attempted tornaddress the workforce issue for marine industry byrndeveloping project based learning kits and associatedrninstructional modules to engage students in STEM tracksrnand increase awareness about shipbuilding and repairrncareers. Four marine kits and four instructional modulesrnwere developed under these two grants to encouragerncreative thinking and keep students engaged inrnshipbuilding and repair processes. The teacher trainingrncomponent of these projects has provided training inrnusing and implementing these modules. The paperrnpresents the motivation behind developing these projectrnbased learning (PBL) modules, issues related tornimplementation and results from student and teacherrnworkshops.