Work in Progress: Participatory research on parental attitudes towards STEM in Ireland

Early learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is a predictor of future academic and career success in these subjects. However, while parents play a critical role in motivating children to learn these subjects and building self-efficacy, many parents in disadvantaged communities have low levels of knowledge and self-efficacy themselves. Programmes targeting these competencies are effective, but more evidence-based knowledge is needed to better understand how parents think and feel about these subjects during a time of rapid change due to advances in artificial intelligence. This Work in Progress paper presents ongoing participatory research on parental attitudes and awareness of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, using a survey distributed to 157 parents (of 200), and semi-structured interviews with three parents (of 13). Initial results suggest parents are intimidated by these subjects but recognise their importance. This research will help us design new programmes to improve access to learning STEM subjects.