An Evaluation of a Pilot Robotics Program This article focuses on the influence of a middle school robotics program on the students’ perception about STEM and STEM careers. Authors Jafeth E. Sanchez and Janet Usinger write about student and leader experiences in the program in their article, “An Evaluation of a Pilot Robotics Program.”

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Published: Oct 10, 2019

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Jafeth E. Sanchez
University of Nevada, Reno

Abstract

This article presents a program evaluation of a six-week middle school pilot program focused on Science, Technology, and Math (STEM) enrichment using robotics, specifically VEX Robotsâ„¢. Two key questions guided this evaluation: (a) Does exposure to robotics influence middle school dispositions about STEM and careers in STEM? and (b) What lessons can be learned from program leads and student experiences? The aims were to provide guidance and recommendations for future implementation, development, and evaluation of the program. Findings are noted, along with a discussion and recommendations.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 20 No. 1 (2019): Journal of STEM Education: Innovation and Research
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Articles
Copyright for articles published in this journal is retained by the Institute for STEM Education and Research with first publication rights granted to the journal. By virtue of their appearance in this open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.
Author Biography

Jafeth E. Sanchez, University of Nevada, Reno

Dr. Jafeth Sanchez earned a Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno's College of Education in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis on Higher Education Administration. She is an assistant professor and focuses on developing high quality school leaders in K12 education. Her research agenda is on educational leadership practices, organizational change efforts, gender and ethnic equity, outreach, student resiliency, P16 alignment, and GEAR UP outcomes. She has actively managed and attained grant funding as a principal investigator or coinvestigator for approximately $2.6 million since Fall 2012. Dr. Sanchez previously taught mathematics and was awarded Northern Nevada Math Teacher of the Year 2012 by the Northern Nevada Math Council. She was also a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar and serves as a mentor for its current scholars throughout the country. Her passion for educational improvement and access to higher education are embedded in all aspects of her work in teaching, research, and service.