TY - JOUR
T1 - Experiences of Students, Teachers, and Parents Participating in an Inclusive, School-Based Informal Engineering Education Program
AU - Chen, Yu Lun
AU - Murthi, Kavitha
AU - Martin, Wendy
AU - Vidiksis, Regan
AU - Riccio, Ariana
AU - Patten, Kristie
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, The Author(s).
PY - 2022/8
Y1 - 2022/8
N2 - Many youth on the autism spectrum possess interests and strengths for STEM-related postsecondary pathways, yet there are few research-based programs to support those interests and competencies including complex problem solving and social communication. This qualitative study explored the experiences and perceived outcomes of students, teachers, and parents participating in an inclusive, strength-based, extracurricular engineering design program entitled the IDEAS Maker Club. Twenty-six students, 13 parents, and nine teachers in the program completed interviews and program logs while researchers conducted classroom observations over 2 years. Thematic analysis identified five common themes: (1) positive student experience and engagement, (2) skills acquisition, (3) development of interest in STEM and related careers, (4) social relationships and community, and (5) safe spaces that supported self-determination.
AB - Many youth on the autism spectrum possess interests and strengths for STEM-related postsecondary pathways, yet there are few research-based programs to support those interests and competencies including complex problem solving and social communication. This qualitative study explored the experiences and perceived outcomes of students, teachers, and parents participating in an inclusive, strength-based, extracurricular engineering design program entitled the IDEAS Maker Club. Twenty-six students, 13 parents, and nine teachers in the program completed interviews and program logs while researchers conducted classroom observations over 2 years. Thematic analysis identified five common themes: (1) positive student experience and engagement, (2) skills acquisition, (3) development of interest in STEM and related careers, (4) social relationships and community, and (5) safe spaces that supported self-determination.
KW - Adolescents
KW - Engineering
KW - STEM
KW - School-based intervention
KW - Strength-based
KW - Youth
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U2 - 10.1007/s10803-021-05230-2
DO - 10.1007/s10803-021-05230-2
M3 - Article
C2 - 34410541
AN - SCOPUS:85112824585
SN - 0162-3257
VL - 52
SP - 3574
EP - 3585
JO - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
JF - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
IS - 8
ER -