Agriscience teachers beliefs about STEM illumination after an immersive professional development experience: A Q Sort study

This study examined agriscience teachers’ beliefs regarding how a professional development (PD) experience illuminated the importance of integrating STEM into the floriculture curriculum. Sixteen teachers from 12 states were selected through a competitive application process to participate in a USDA-NIFA funded PD program. The PD included five months of virtual sessions and a 10-day domestic travel experience, exposing participants to the floral distribution channel, site visits with industry professionals, and hands-on learning with scientists. Q methodology was used to explore participants’ beliefs. Teachers sorted 36 statements, developed using Ajzen’s (1991) Theory of Planned Behavior, into a quasi-normal distribution. Factor analysis revealed three belief types: (a) STEM Advocates, (b) STEM Illuminators, and (c) Illumination Attempters. STEM Advocates emphasized the importance of STEM for critical thinking and student engagement. STEM Illuminators valued technical STEM content knowledge gained through PD. Illumination Attempters acknowledged STEM’s importance but reported a need for additional support and training. Findings suggest immersive, content-specific PD can positively influence teachers’ self-efficacy and behavioral intentions. We recommend additional support tailored to teacher needs and use of Q methodology to explore how teacher beliefs influence instructional behaviors.