Identifying the entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills of fourth-grade students through engineering design-based STEM activities

Hicran Özkul ()
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Hicran Özkul: Dumlupinar University

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract This research aims to investigate the effects of engineering design cycle-based STEM activities on entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills of fourth-grade elementary school students. A convergent parallel design, a type of mixed methods research, was employed. The quantitative phase of the study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test control groups, while the qualitative phase was conducted using a basic qualitative research design. The sample comprised 37 fourth-grade elementary school students, divided into an experimental group of 20 students and a control group of 17 students. Quantitative data were collected using the Entrepreneurship Intentions Scale for Children and the Problem Solving Inventory for Children. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight students after the implementation. The analysis of the quantitative data revealed that the experimental group showed improvements in entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills compared to the control group. The qualitative data analysis indicated that engineering design cycle-based STEM activities fostered students’ views on becoming entrepreneurs, working in groups, being creative, solving problems, using engineering skills, and developing interest in STEM disciplines and careers.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05612-2

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