Fostering a Steam Mindset Across Learning Settings

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Developing a growth mindset has been identified as a key strategy for increasing youth achievement, motivation, and resiliency (Rattan et al. 2015). At its core, growth mindset describes the idea that one’s abilities can change through using new learning strategies and receiving appropriate mentoring (Dweck 2008). In contrast, a fixed mindset relates to the idea that ability is inherent and cannot be changed. We have taken up the concept of growth mindset and developed it specifically for the context of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), a growing area of focus in both in- and out-of-school learning. We think of STEAM as more than just adding art to STEM or STEM to art—instead, we view STEAM as an approach that involves deep integration of overlapping art and STEM practices. Combining STEAM and the concept of mindset is especially helpful for intentionally bringing recognized identity-building features of out-of-school environments into the classroom, such as a sense of playfulness, open-ended exploration, and personal relevance. In this article we discuss our rationale and process in developing the concept of a “STEAM mindset” and illustrate how it can support youth and educator learning. Built on the foundations of the growth mindset concept, a STEAM mindset further emphasizes the ideas of quieting the inner negative voice, engaging in self-compassion rather than judgement, and promoting creative practice, as described in the sections below.

Keywords:

• Stem
• Informal Education

Supplemental Material

Acknowledgments

We want to thank all of the Colors of Nature instructors who have participated over time, including Kyle Campbell, Gabrielle Vance, Laura Oxtoby, Alexis Will, Genevieve Johnson, Rob Sparks, Will Roddy, and Katie Kaleida, for their efforts in helping shape this work. We also wish to thank our institutional partners. This article is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants No. 1713155, 1713276, 1224020, and 1223363. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. The National Optical Astronomy Observatory is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc. under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.

Author Contributions

Laura D. Carsten Conner ([email protected]) is research associate professor of science education in the Geophysical Institute and the College of Natural Science and Mathematics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Blakely K. Tsurusaki ([email protected]) is a senior research scientist with the Goodlad Institute for Educational Renewal at the University of Washington Bothell in Bothell, Washington.

Carrie Tzou ([email protected]) is an associate professor of science education and director of the Goodlad Institute for Educational Renewal in the School of Educational Studies at the University of Washington Bothell in Bothell, Washington.

Perrin Teal Sullivan ([email protected]) is a STEAM designer at the Goodlad Institute of Educational Renewal at the University of Washington Bothell in Bothell, Washington.

Mareca Guthrie ([email protected]) is curator of fine arts at the University of Alaska Museum of the North and associate professor of art at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Stephen M. Pompea ([email protected]) is observatory scientist and head of the education and public outreach program at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, and La Serena, Chile.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura D. Carsten Conner

Laura D. Carsten Conner ([email protected]) is research associate professor of science education in the Geophysical Institute and the College of Natural Science and Mathematics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Blakely K. Tsurusaki

Blakely K. Tsurusaki ([email protected]) is a senior research scientist with the Goodlad Institute for Educational Renewal at the University of Washington Bothell in Bothell, Washington.

Carrie Tzou

Carrie Tzou ([email protected]) is an associate professor of science education and director of the Goodlad Institute for Educational Renewal in the School of Educational Studies at the University of Washington Bothell in Bothell, Washington.

Perrin Teal Sullivan

Perrin Teal Sullivan ([email protected]) is a STEAM designer at the Goodlad Institute of Educational Renewal at the University of Washington Bothell in Bothell, Washington.

Mareca Guthrie

Mareca Guthrie ([email protected]) is curator of fine arts at the University of Alaska Museum of the North and associate professor of art at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Stephen M. Pompea

Stephen M. Pompea ([email protected]) is observatory scientist and head of the education and public outreach program at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, and La Serena, Chile.