Empowering STEM Interest Through the RBTx Robot Tracer Program Among Primary School Students in the Port Dickson District

Abstract

This study examined the empowerment of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) interest through the RBTx Robot Tracer Program. The objectives of the study were to: (1) analyze the effect of the RBTx Robot Tracer Program on students' self-efficacy in STEM; (2) assess the role of the program in shaping students' outcome expectations regarding STEM careers; and (3) measure the influence of the program on students' interest and educational goals in STEM. A quantitative approach with a survey design was used to collect data via a questionnaire instrument. Respondents consisted of 154 primary school students who participated in the RBTx Robot Tracer Program organized by Port Dickson Polytechnic. The findings indicated that the level of self-efficacy in robotics and STEM was high with an overall mean of 4.47. Outcome expectations regarding STEM careers were also high with a mean of 4.49, and interest and educational goals in STEM achieved a mean of 4.53. In conclusion, the survey revealed that empowering STEM interest through the RBTx Robot Tracer Program reached a high level. The implication is that the RBTx Robot Tracer Program is an initiative that can inspire students' educational and career goals in the STEM field.