Projects

Project Description

In this new project, we plan to explore the role that failure plays in shaping students' experiences. For nearly a decade we have been researching how youth experience failure and how educators play a role in supporting or exacerbating these experiences. We want to shift our focus to university students and investigate how students conceptualize failure, what might lead to different ways students perceive failure and how these feelings may influence key decisions. We are particularly interested in how these issues play a role in students pursuing STEM degrees. We will more fully develop the conceptualization of this project with the participating research apprentice(s). Currently, we expect that data collection will involve interviews with university students about their conceptions of failure and how this might impact their major choice, course performance, anxiety, etc. The primary research activities would include: a) Becoming familiar with some literature on mindsets and perceptions of failure and influence on choices and aspirations; b) Conducting some initial chats with friends and creating an interview protocol; c) Using the protocol to conduct interviews with students; and d) Toward the end of the year, analyzing the interview responses and sharing of results. We will adjust plans and expectations as the project proceeds, but we think there is great potential for this work and high likelihood of a publication based on the results.

Technology or Computational Component

We expect that this project will raise issues related to STEM, use of computers/technology and other related topics. We also have been using various aspects of AI/Natural Language Processing and basic computing to analyze data. Apprentices do not need these skills to work on this project, but any prior experiences or openness to learning about them will be preferred.