228: Measuring STEM Interest, Identity, and Student Learning Outcomes

In this session, we present methods used to assess student STEM interest, identity, and learning outcomes resultant from a curriculum module intervention taught by their teachers in the classes as part of the NASA Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA) program. It describes the development of outcome measures related to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and STEM identity and interest, using both in-house and externally developed instruments, including the Professional Identity Overlap Single Item Measure (PIO-1). This session highlights how a randomized controlled trial (RCT) was employed using a delayed-treatment group to investigate the student learning and STEM identity. This includes the challenges of conducting an RCT and ways to address them which promote methodological rigor and equitable access for participants. This session includes how follow up studies were used to partially replicate the RCT and how various measures were used over time to provide continuity while responding to changes in focus.

Dianna Cazarez; Andrew Grillo-Hill; Kimberly Nguyen, Josh Valcarcel