Developing a Scientist: A retrospective look

Abstract

Although one of the goals of science education is to educate and nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers, there is limited research that investigates the pathway from childhood to becoming a scientist. This study examined the reflections of 37 scientists and engineers about their in‐ and out‐of‐school experiences as well as their memories of significant people who may have influenced their careers. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted and the interview transcripts were analyzed for potential influences on career decisions. Analysis showed several commonalities in participants’ reported experiences that influenced career decisions in science and engineering. Informal advising and mentoring by teachers and family members were noted as important. Across participants, tinkering, building models, and exploring science independently in and out of school were viewed as factors that influenced interests in science and engineering. Implications of these results for formal and informal educational programs are discussed.

Keywords:

• Informal science
• Careers
• Development
• Motivation

Acknowledgments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant nos. 507151, 411656, and 354578.