Do Students' STEM Skill Levels Affect Their Math and Science Achievement?

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the academic achievements of 8th graders in mathematics and science courses and STEM skill levels. The research has been carried out with the survey model. The sample of the study consists of 251 8th grade students in the 2020-2021 academic year. Math and Science academic achievement tests and STEM skill levels scale was used for data gathering. The scores obtained within this framework have been analyzed using arithmetic mean, standard deviation, t and Pearson r correlation and regression analyses. As a result of the research, we have reached that the means of the students in science and mathematics courses are similar and low. STEM skill levels of male and female students have been found to be similar in terms of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology factors, but male students are more successful than female students in both math and science courses. It has also been found that STEM skill levels influence students' math and science academic achievements, and STEM skill level perceptions influenced students' math and science achievements.