Table 1 The six constructs that were used to measure and analyze outcomes for students from HMCs who participated in hands-on STEM experiences.

From: Consequential insights for advancing informal STEM learning and outcomes for students from historically marginalized communities

Construct

Short description

Engagement

• How students are involved in their learning

Awareness and Intent

• Awareness of and movement towards STEM degrees and professional levels.

• Both of these overlapping constructs are part of a person’s STEM Pathway.

Identity

• How students perceive themselves in relation to what it means to be a “science person”

• Dynamic, social, and situational

• Emerges from an ongoing process of performance, recognition & positioning by others

Social capital

• A broad, overlapping construct that includes the set of intangible resources, from their interpersonal relationships or social institutions that lead to productive advances that would otherwise be unlikely.

21st Century Learning Skills

• The set of professional skills, such as critical thinking and collaboration, that are considered necessary for success in project future workforces

  1. These constructs were chosen based on their ability to provide consequential insight into i) whether or not participants were able to advance their STEM learning and outcomes, and ii) what aspects of their experience supported them in developing STEM literacy and sustaining interest and participation in STEM.
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