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This exploratory study aimed to assess the strength of primary school students' (aged 11–12 years old) Science Self-Efficacy (SSE) beliefs, identify emanating sources, and investigate any gender-related differences. School SSE is defined here as perceived capacity to complete learning outcomes from the upper Irish primary science curriculum. The strengths and sources of participants' school SSE beliefs were assessed quantitatively (N = 260) using the Irish Science Self-Efficacy Children's Questionnaire (IS-SEC-Q). Twenty-five students were interviewed to further explore the origins of their SSE, and their perception of science in the classroom. Results indicated that students' self-efficacy to perform scientific skills was lower than their self-efficacy to answer questions. Mastery experience was found to be the strongest predictor of self-efficacy in science skills, corroborating findings from other educational contexts. However, students report that they seldom engage in hands-on science during school, suggesting that Irish classrooms still lack student-led investigations. Gender-related results are also highlighted. This work serves as the first report of students' school SSE beliefs in Ireland, expands upon existing literature surrounding the SSE beliefs of pre-adolescent students, and discusses implications for classroom practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of literature shows that Primary Scientific Literature (PSL) is a valuable and useful tool for STEM. Current assessments measuring the success of PSL-based interventions focus mainly on specific scientific content and/or the specific scientific skills students learn. We believe that the underlying motivation students consider while learning to read PSL is equally important to assess. We present 'Motivation in Reading Primary Scientific Literature,' a 19 item novel questionnaire based on student purpose for reading PSL and student efficacy for reading PSL. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were performed on data collected from students enrolled in introductory Biology courses (n = 411 for EFA and n = 325 CFA). Results confirmed 19 items that can be used to measure student motivation in reading PSL through four subscales: (1) expectancy-value, (2) self-efficacy, (3) performance/competence and (4) interest. Preliminary external validity of the Motivation in Reading PSL questionnaire verified differences (p <.05) in students' motivation between one control and two treatment groups after a one-semester PSL-based intervention. These findings suggest that our questionnaire can be used by instructors who implement PSL-based interventions and would like a more comprehensive understanding of how their students approach reading PSL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decline in student motivation is a concern for STEM education, especially for underrepresented groups in the sciences. Using the Science Motivation Questionnaire II, 41 foundational STEM courses were surveyed at the beginning and end of each semester in an academic year at a small primarily undergraduate university. Significant pre- to post-semester declines were observed in each of five measured motivational factors (Intrinsic motivation, Career motivation, Self determination, Self-efficacy, and Grade motivation), with effect sizes ranging from 0.21 to 0.41. However, in the second semester pre-survey, four motivational factors rebounded, including three returning to initial levels, suggesting that the observed motivational decline is not long-lasting. Analysis suggests that declines are not related to survey fatigue or student demographics, but rather to grades and, in the case of one motivational factor, to academic field. These findings suggest that a refocus on grading practices across STEM fields may influence student motivation and persistence in STEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]