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Informal learning settings are valuable environments for students to learn beyond the classroom. This article describes the preliminary findings from a systematic review that explored programmatic elements associated with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning, knowledge, identity, and self-efficacy for neurodiverse youth in informal STEM learning environments.
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Effective Inclusion Practices for Neurodiverse Children and Adolescents in Informal STEM Learning: A Systematic Review
Informal learning settings are valuable environments for students to learn beyond the classroom. This article describes the preliminary findings from a systematic review that explored programmatic elements associated with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning, knowledge, identity, and self-efficacy for neurodiverse youth in informal STEM learning environments.
more »
« less
- Award ID(s):
- 2115542
- PAR ID:
- 10500928
- Publisher / Repository:
- Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- The review of disability studies
- Volume:
- 19
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 1552-9215
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- informal learning, STEM, neurodiverse
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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In our efforts to build transformative informal STEM learning environments, we must consider how innovative educational practices and tools are adaptable, sustainable, and equitable. The lens of infrastructuring allows us to attend to the ways that people, practices, and objects already present in these environments can be leveraged and redesigned to support equitable learning outcomes. Through qualitative analysis of 16 facilitator interviews across three informal STEM organizations, we determined six types of infrastructure that support engagement with computational tinkering in informal learning environments: institutional routines and resources, social and facilitation practices, institutional and facilitator values, facilitator expertise, tools and materials, and physical space. We also point out some critical gaps or challenges within these categories that can serve as points for reflection and redesign. This work has implications for researchers, designers, and facilitators/managers who work in informal STEM settings and aim to engage learners with STEM in new ways.more » « less
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Abstract Background Informal learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can enhance STEM learning that occurs in formal educational settings and curricula as well as generate enthusiasm for considering STEM careers. The aim of this systematic review is to focus on the experiences of neurodiverse students in informal STEM learning. Neurodiversity is a subgroup of neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism, attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurological conditions. The neurodiversity movement regards these conditions as natural forms of human variation, as opposed to dysfunction, and recognizes that neurodiverse individuals possess many strengths relevant to STEM fields. Methods The authors will systematically search electronic databases for relevant research and evaluation articles addressing informal STEM learning for K-12 children and youth with neurodiverse conditions. Seven databases and content-relevant websites (e.g., informalscience.org) will be searched using a predetermined search strategy and retrieved articles will be screened by two members of the research team. Data synthesis will include meta-synthesis techniques, depending on the designs of the studies. Discussion The synthesis of the findings resulting from various research and evaluation designs, across the K-12 age span, and across various informal STEM learning contexts, will lead to depth and breadth of understanding of ways to improve informal STEM learning programs for neurodiverse children and youth. The identification of informal STEM learning program components and contexts shown to yield positive results will provide specific recommendations for improving inclusiveness, accessibility, and STEM learning for neurodiverse children and youth. Trial registration The current study has been registered in PROSPERO. Registration number: CRD42021278618.more » « less
