ERIC Number: EJ1304065
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Jul
Pages: 28
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1069-4730
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Engineering Integration in Elementary Science Classrooms: Effects of Disciplinary Language Scaffolds on English Learners' Content Learning and Engineering Identity
Aguirre-Muñoz, Zenaida; Pantoya, Michelle; Pando, Magdalena; Loria Garro, Elias S.
Journal of Engineering Education, v110 n3 p517-544 Jul 2021
Background: Limited research examines the effects of integrated science and engineering (SE) instruction emphasizing disciplinary literacy and language activities on engineering identity and content understanding. Far fewer studies target English learners (ELs). Purpose: The impact of an SE intervention on the development of science, engineering, and technology knowledge as well as engineering identity was examined. To address ELs' learning needs, the curricular design was built on a validated SE model by integrating (1) developmental, (2) language scaffolds, and (3) culturally based accommodations. Design/Method: Separate analysis of variance examined the effects of the intervention on science, engineering, and technology knowledge as well as engineering identity. The relationship among engineering identity and content outcomes was also examined. ELs from kindergarten to second grade classrooms were randomly assigned to the integrated SE group or control group. Results: Integrated SE instruction significantly increased ELs' science, engineering, and technology knowledge as well as a substantially developed engineering identity. Overall, ELs' engineering identity is associated with an increase in science, engineering, and technology content knowledge. However, second grade girls' identity development was not associated with learning measures. These correlations suggest the context of the engineering activity may have reinforced gendered stereotypes and reduced the effects for girls' engineering attitudes. Conclusions: Integrated SE instruction emphasizing disciplinary literacy and cultural accommodations increases early elementary ELs' learning and engineering identity. Future studies should examine the unique effects of language scaffolds and cultural modifications on student learning and the impact of gender stereotypes on girls' engineering attitudes.
Descriptors: Engineering Education, STEM Education, Content and Language Integrated Learning, Elementary School Science, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Professional Identity, Technical Occupations, Culturally Relevant Education, English Language Learners, Females, Grade 2, Sex Stereotypes, Instructional Effectiveness
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 2; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: US Department of Energy; National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: DENA0003988; REE1836081; REE1463820
Author Affiliations: N/A