Art as Reinforcement for the Decision to Study Engineering: a STEAM case of Challenge-based Learning Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • This research investigates the impact of the integration of Art into a challenge-based STEM curriculum - forming a STEAM approach - on engineering students' career commitment and major selection at a private Mexican university. Our goal was to study the impact of this integration while they were sophomores and under a general education curriculum. We performed descriptive, correlational statistics and data clustering of the answers to a digital optional survey that collected the student's perceived outcomes from the STEAM Challenge entitled "Sound, Engineering and Art". Our research findings demonstrate that such integration significantly reinforces students' commitment to engineering as a career, and their choice of major within the field. A noteworthy 98% of the participants reported active engagement in the STEAM Challenge, leading to increased confidence in their decision to study engineering (72%) and their selection of majors (65%). Moreover, 80% of students perceived the incorporation of art in the challenge positively, suggesting its potential to sustain student interest, and lower the dropout rates. Even though 91% of participants expressed certainty in pursuing engineering, only 75% were sure about their major, underlining the potential of STEAM challenges in helping students refine their academic, and career paths. Cluster analysis further highlighted the significant influence of students' experience during the challenge on their perception and subsequent decision to study engineering. These findings contribute to the understanding of the factors in students' career choice, while having significant implications for the design of engineering curricula and strategies for student retention in engineering programs. © 2023 IEEE.

publication date

  • January 1, 2023