Exploring educational experiences that correlate with self-directed learning in college students seeking to pursue science, technology, engineering, math, and medical (STEMM) fields

• DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1393493
• Publication Date: 2024-09-20T20:03:30Z
• Authors: Kyeorda L. Kemp; Cameron J. Davidson; Deidre N. Hurse; Akshata R. Naik
• Keywords: Autodidacticism

Educational experiences available to high school students have the potential provide learning opportunities within science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) that lead student success in college beyond. Therefore, goal of our research was identify whether participation STEMM-specific outreach pathway programs (OPPs), advanced placement/international baccalaureate (AP/IB), or dual enrollment correlate with self-directed (SDL) skills. Our population is composed recent graduates matriculating into STEMM focused programs. We collected responses from 339 nationwide assess their (1) experience SDL, (2) behavioral trait for (3) application SDL a newly developed situational judgment case. results demonstrate those who OPP did not differ non-OPP counterparts regarding any aspect SDL. However, significantly correlates components (r = 0.206, p < 0.001). Interestingly, AP/IB 0.145, 0.05) as well skills ( r 0.202, 0.001), but experiences. This work identifies improving development external internal educational interested pursuing career STEMM.