Humanizing STEM Faculty: Enhancing STEM Students' Sense of Belonging Through Student - Faculty Interaction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v97i3.1211Abstract
A Professor Panel Event was organized and promoted to first- and second-year STEM students. During the event, STEM professors shared insights about their backgrounds, personal experiences, academic challenges, and strategies for effective studying and office hour utilization. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the panelists. Surveys completed by both students and professors assessed the panel's impact, highlighting key takeaways. A follow-up survey measured students' sense of belonging within their chosen STEM fields. Data Analysis indicated that the event enhanced students' feelings of belonging, comfort in approaching professors, and willingness to seek help. These findings suggest that facilitating informal interactions between students and professors outside the classroom positively influences students' self-perception and their views of faculty members.
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