The Effect of STEM Education on Students’ Career Interests: Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of STEM education on students’ career interests in STEM professions by systematic review. For this purpose, Google Academic, Web of Science, Springer Link, SCOPUS, SCIRP, Proquest, ERIC, EBSCO, DOAJ databases determined by the researchers were searched in two languages, Turkish and English. For Turkish search (“STEM|STEM education*” AND “experimental study|pattern*”), for English search (“STEM|STEM education*” AND “experimental study|design*”) code was created. It is aimed to reach the studies published between 2011-2021, the sample of which is one of the K-12 education levels, conducted with quasi or true experimental design. the PRISMA 2020 checklist was used to reduce bias risk. As a result, four studies that match the criteria were found. The studies were carried out on students aged 11-13 between 2017-2021. In all studies, the effect of STEM education was compared with the constructivist approach applied in control groups. STEM education was generally applied to physics subjects within the scope of science. STEM education mostly has a significant effect on students’ career interest in STEM professions. It is considered that more studies should be conducted in quasi or true experimental designs to get more information.