THE EFFECT OF LEARNING EXPERIENCES ON INTEREST IN STEM CAREERS: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODEL

Learning experiences can affect students' interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. Applying the social cognitive career theory, this study tested and compared the effect size and effect mechanism of formal learning experiences (FLE) and informal learning experiences (ILE) on 1133 tenth-grade students' interest in STEM careers (ISC) through a paper questionnaire survey. The results of structural equation model analysis showed that: 1) The total effect of ILE on students' ISC is much greater than that of FLE; 2) ILE, STEM self-efficacy (SSE) and STEM careers perceptions (SCP) can directly affect students' ISC; FLE and ILE can also indirectly affect students' ISC through the mediating role of SSE and SCP. The analyses suggest that in order to improve students' ISC, STEM education (especially informal STEM education) should be strengthened, both formal and informal education should pay attention to the cultivation of students' SSE and SCP. Keywords: interest in STEM careers, learning experiences, social cognitive career theory, STEM careers perceptions, STEM self-efficacy, structural equation model

Download Full-text

ENHANCING VOLUNTEERS’ INTENTION TO ENGAGE IN CITIZEN SCIENCE: THE ROLES OF SELF-EFFICACY, SATISFACTION AND SCIENCE TRUST

Journal of Baltic Science Education ◽

10.33225/jbse/20.19.234 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 234-246

Author(s):

Chia-Pin Kao ◽

Kuen-Yi Lin ◽

Hui-Min Chien ◽

Yu-Tsang Chen

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation Model ◽

Citizen Science ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Social Cognitive Career Theory ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Equation Model ◽

Career Theory ◽

Intention To Continue ◽

Social Cognitive Career

This research was carried out at the Science Volunteer Program 2018, which is run by Taiwan’s Ministry of Science and Technology. The purpose of the research was to understand the effects of self-efficacy, satisfaction, and science trust on science volunteers’ intention to continue volunteering. The research drew on the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) to test how social cognitive variables affect volunteers’ intention to continue engaging in events and with organizations. A total of 156 volunteers taking part in the program completed a questionnaire measuring Self-efficacy, Satisfaction, Trust, and Intention. A structural equation model (SEM) was developed, and the proposed effects on the variables were tested using SEM procedures. The results of the SEM analysis found that there were positive effects between (a) Self-efficacy and Satisfaction, (b) Self-efficacy and Intention, (c) Satisfaction and Intention, and (d) Trust and Intention. The discussion highlights implications for science volunteer managers who are not only in a position to increase volunteers’ behavioral intention to continue their engagement in volunteer work, but also to facilitate interventions to boost volunteering in Taiwan. Keywords: citizen science, science volunteers, social cognitive career theory, structural equation model

Download Full-text

Understanding Social Entrepreneurial Intention Through Social Cognitive Career Theory: a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Organizations and Markets in Emerging Economies ◽

10.15388/omee.2019.10.00005 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 92-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Patrick Adriel P. Aure ◽

Rayan P. Dui ◽

Shieradel V. Jimenez ◽

Denver D. Daradar ◽

Alvin Neil A. Gutierrez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Least Squares ◽

Partial Least Squares ◽

Structural Equation Modelling ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Social Cognitive Career Theory ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Business Students ◽

Career Theory ◽

Equation Modelling ◽

Social Cognitive Career

This research attempted to find empirical evidence that examines the drivers of social entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) through the lens of social cognitive career theory (SCCT). Since the SCCT model of SEI is still in the early stages and needs to be further developed, experts recommend the use of partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data collected from 294 business students from a Philippine university. To account for observed heterogeneity, differences among senior high school and college business students were explored via multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA). Across all respondents, perceived support and internal outcome expectations have the strongest total effects on SEI, while self-efficacy and agreeableness have marginally significant direct effects and significant indirect effects on SEI. This study contributed to the field of social entrepreneurship by looking at alternate and developing explanations to the formation of SEI apart from conceptual models based on the theory of planned behavior.

Download Full-text