The influence of a ROV themed engineering design workshop on in-service teacher self-efficacy

This study utilized ROVs (underwater autonomous robots) as a central theme within a United States Department of Education Grant to support 14 teachers in Georgia to learn engineering and technology content and pedagogy associated with the upcoming implementation of Next Generation Science Standards. Employing the “Engineering Design” model teachers explored the nuances involved with robotics, electronics, and prototype construction and operation. Participants were 14 public school teachers that were vastly inexperienced with basic engineering principles or careers. A pre and post assessment of teacher self efficacy towards basic engineering principles and design showed substantial growth in confidence levels of teacher participants. Provided the lack of true engineering content preparation of many in-service teachers, the workshop and curriculum guidance model shows promise to assist teachers in utilizing kinesthetic and real world projects to meet the newly reformed STEM standards.