Advisory Committee Chair
Jennifer Ponder
Advisory Committee Members
Loretta Donovan
Kelly Hill
Grace Jepkemboi
Lynn Kirkland
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2022
Degree Name by School
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) School of Education
Abstract
This study utilized constructivist grounded theory to examine teacher candidates’ STEM confidence, preparedness, and self-efficacy before and after participation in an elementary STEM methods course. The study aimed to identify characteristics of the course that impacted teacher candidates’ growth. Twenty teacher candidates and the course instructor consented to participate in the study. Course artifacts and interview transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method and themes were identified. Data analysis revealed teacher candidates’ STEM confidence, preparedness, and self-efficacy to be positively impacted by participation in an integrated STEM methods course. The three main themes are: the Intersections of Theory, Constructed Experiences, and Practice, Assessment for Learning, and Instructor Intentions and Mindset.
Recommended Citation
Cramer, Amanda Rachelle, "Not All That Glitters is Growth: Cultivating STEM Identity and Self-Efficacy in Elementary Teacher Candidates Through the Habits of Mind" (2022). All ETDs from UAB. 186.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/186