The effectiveness of learning STEM out of the classroom on the interest & career options

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the effectiveness of STEM Interest-Infusion Program among students at Perpustakaan Sultan Ismail Library (branch) located in Kampung Melayu Majidi, Johor Bahru, Johor. The size of the library is very small which only can accommodate around 20 people at a time. The respondents were selected purposely from a series of STEM Interest-Infusion Program that were conducted monthly in the library. Students selected were evidently not excel in Science and Mathematics subject from two school chosen by the council of Majidi area. All students were selected from Art Stream. Descriptive quantitative design was implemented in this study. A total of 15 respondents; aged 16, were participated in this study. Questionnaire were used as an instrument. The questionnaire consists of 52 items and separately divided into 5 constructs namely STEM interests (item 1-8), career options (item 9-21), attitude (item 22-36), thinking skills (item 37-44) and interest towards library (item 45-52). However, in this paper, only two data will be discussed which are interest and career options. Data from the questionnaire were analysed using SPSS. For the analysis of items of each construct, the responses of the students referred to three groups. The level that has a mean score from 1.00 to 2.33 fall into the low level. Meanwhile, if the mean score is between 2.34 and 3.67, fall under average level. Additionally, if the mean score is between 3.68 and 5.00, it is interpreted as high level. Based on the finding, students' interest and career options on STEM are at high level after participating in STEM Interest-Infusion Program. As a conclusion, STEM interest-Infusion Program that conducted monthly in Perpustakaan Sultan Ismail Library is very effective in helping boost students' interest and career options in STEM.