Eunjin “Jin” Seo, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Texas State University, has secured a $943,000 National Science Foundation CAREER Award for her research project, “Growing Together.” This initiative aims to explore how the interactions among students regarding grades, mistakes, effort, and abilities can influence their motivation to pursue STEM fields.
Seo emphasizes that students learn about their abilities in the context of their peers. When students hear messages about intelligence being fixed, especially around disappointing grades, they may start believing they aren’t suited for STEM. Over a five-year period, Seo’s project will involve analyzing daily peer interactions and conversations in STEM classes, contributing to a supportive learning environment that normalizes challenges and fosters growth.
The research addresses significant issues, especially for first-generation college students who may struggle to navigate unfamiliar academic settings. By building a classroom culture that views struggle as a natural part of learning, the project seeks to help students feel more included and capable in their fields.
Notably, the project aligns with workforce needs; Texas anticipates a substantial demand for STEM-related jobs in coming years. Ultimately, Seo’s study aims to provide families, schools, and policymakers innovative strategies to support students and contribute to a skilled workforce. She envisions a culture where students collectively endorse the idea that abilities can grow, and encountering difficulties does not imply a lack of belonging in STEM.
