Investigating the effects of integrated STEM-based Career and Technical Education on Primary students’ interest and confidence in STEM: A pre and post intervention study

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education plays a pivotal role in tackling global challenges, addressing economic, social and environmental issues. Yet globally, there is a lack of student interest and engagement in STEM subjects and careers. Integrating STEM education with Career and Technical Education (CTE) in primary schools can serve as a catalyst for positive change.  While CTE programs are traditionally implemented in high schools and are designed to prepare students for specific trades, vocations and careers, adapting these programs for primary education may foster positive attitudes towards learning STEM and early interest in STEM careers. This research examines the effects of integrated STEM-based CTE on primary school students’ interest and confidence in STEM related subjects through a pre and post intervention analysis. Primary school students in Year 4 from five economically diverse Queensland schools engaged in a series of specifically designed integrated STEM-based CTE lessons involving inquiry-based, hands-on learning. Data on students’ interest and confidence in STEM subjects were collected using questionnaires administered before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses indicate that early exposure to integrated STEM-based CTE enhances students' interest and confidence in STEM subjects and careers. Expanding these types of meaningful, hands-on STEM learning activities into primary school curricula can further strengthen the STEM workforce pipeline.