Annotated Bibliography

Mizell, S., & Brown, S. (2016). The Current Status of STEM Education Research 2013-2015. Journal Of

STEM Education: Innovations & Research, 17(4), 52-56.

The information presented in the article conveys the data and observations regarding current research of American STEM proficiency in students of grades kindergarten through 12^th. The article addresses data recovered from ten case studies over the past 20 years, and illustrates trends regarding demographics, schooling, and student involvement. It overviews involvement nationwide, and it gives a wide overview of many different case studies and projects. The data portrays continued development of STEM research based on a call to action by the American government for an all hands on effort to increase proficiency nationwide. It overviews not only methods of education, but methods of progress tracking through the case studies. It describes the processes of data collection, and analyzes the data. The data is used to draw conclusions about the viability of STEM research, and profiles trends in student ability. The advancement of STEM proficiency is increasing according to the data. It goes on to contend that; “This is encouraging since proficiency in STEM fields is critical to remaining a leader in the 21st century global workforce.” (Mizell, 54)

Potential quotes from the article include statements reflecting the data such as, “The current analysis has demonstrated that the research base for STEM education has expanded” (Mizell, 54) or “As the two studies are compared, it is apparent that there are areas in which a shift has taken place.” I could also include quotes regarding data reflection such as, “In the original article, Brown suggested that more rigorous methods could strengthen the field of STEM education research.” (Mizell, 54)

The source is credible, as it is a scholarly article regarding a collection of data. It is rather unbiased and draws valid conclusions based on the data. It is not politicized; it is just a reflection of data that leaves room for interpretation. The information presented within the article is completely cited and the source itself was procured from the Galileo search engine. The source is up to date as well, having been published October first of 2016.

The article fits well into my research as it demonstrates the current state of American STEM proficiency. I will use it to illustrate trends, and make connections to my experience with the robotics students. The data will be a valuable reference in my research, and it will help me to draw conclusions of my own. It suggests trends that directly reflect the students I am working with in my research.