A recent study from The Ohio State University has highlighted the detrimental effects of peer comparisons on college students enrolled in introductory STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) courses. The findings suggest that while hard work is essential, focusing on comparative effort can negatively impact students’ self-concept and academic achievement.
Key Findings from the Study:
- Impact of Comparative Effort: Researchers examined students in an introductory chemistry class and discovered that those who believed they had to work harder than their peers were less likely to view themselves as capable of succeeding in science. This detrimental mindset affected both male and female students, but women showed particularly positive outcomes when they focused on their own effort without making comparisons.
- Positive Effects of Criterion Effort: The study found that when students, especially women, recognised their own hard work without comparing it to others, they tended to perform better academically. Lead author Hyewon Lee emphasised the importance of this focus on individual effort: “Students in introductory STEAM classes need to focus on their own work, rather than comparing themselves to others.”
- Study Sample and Methodology: The research involved 690 undergraduate students enrolled in three sections of an introductory chemistry course. The study measured students’ perceptions of their effort (criterion effort vs. comparative effort) and their science self-concept across the semester, correlating these perceptions with midterm and final exam scores.
- Gender Differences: The study revealed that for women, believing in their effort correlated with a more positive self-concept regarding their science abilities. In contrast, men’s confidence was more closely tied to their actual performance rather than their perceived effort. This indicates that women may feel the need to work harder to counteract gender stereotypes in STEAM fields.
- Feedback Loop: The researchers identified a feedback loop where criterion effort was linked to higher midterm scores, which in turn increased students’ perception of their effort. Conversely, focusing on comparative effort was associated with lower performance in chemistry.
The study’s findings underline the importance of fostering a positive learning environment in STEAM education, particularly in introductory courses that can be pivotal for student retention. By encouraging students to focus on their individual efforts rather than peer comparisons, educators can help mitigate barriers to success.
For more details on the study, visit The Ohio State University’s news page: STEAM students: Work hard, but don’t compare yourself to others.
Extra-Curriculum STEAM activities that may be of interest:
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3Education - 3D Modeling & Printing Course
3Education is committed to assisting schools in adapting technology to cultivate self-learning ability for the new generation. We are all here to help teachers in achieving their educational goals. Empowered by 3 Hong Kong’s strongest 5G network, we provide a wide range of teaching and learning solutions to help students develop their strengths.
ActiveKids - Science Adventures & RoboCobo
Science Adventures offers hands-on science learning, inspiring curiosity with projects on sustainability and renewable energy. RoboCode teaches kids to build and program robots, developing skills in coding, logic, and engineering. Both camps foster creativity, critical thinking, and innovation in STEAM.
AlGreen - Cell Detective | Microscopic Cell Observation Lab
The Cell Detective kit lets young learners explore cellular biology through hands-on experiments like cell staining and microscopic examination. It enhances observational skills and scientific inquiry, making it ideal for school projects or personal exploration, promoting discovery and fun in learning.
Cobo Academy - Robotics Course (All Levels)
This Level 1 course introduces students to Lua, the programming language behind Roblox, and teaches 3D modeling basics in Roblox Studio. Students will learn to design their own games, with prior computer knowledge (PC or Mac) being beneficial.
Create and Learn - Scratch Coding Classes For Grade K – 10
Create & Learn offers interactive online Scratch coding courses for kids, designed to teach problem-solving, creativity, and computational thinking. With a small class size for personalized attention, students can create games, animations, and stories, building a solid foundation for future coding skills.
DTSL - Makeblock Robotics Collection
Makeblock offers a range of educational robots and accessories for learning robotics, programming, and AI. From beginner-friendly mBot to advanced CyberPi, their products provide hands-on STEAM experiences for all ages, helping students unleash their creativity in an engaging and accessible way.
Hape – STEAM
Hape offers high-quality, sustainable wooden toys that inspire creativity and learning, from classic blocks to STEAM toys. Their products promote cognitive development, motor skills, and social interaction. Hape toys spark curiosity and provide endless fun, with a focus on safety and environmental responsibility.
HKFYG - Winter School for Future Professionals (FinTech Master/Med-AI Explorer)
The “Winter School for Future Professionals” programme offers participants a deep dive into the world of rapidly changing financial technology sector, exploring how data storytelling and data management drive decision-making and innovation, and looking into Insurtech and electronic payment systems.
Potential City - Amazing Toys
CONNEX® “connects to the next” offers a range of products that teach building skills and have unique functions. Children can collect and connect the products to create new functions, providing an exciting and discovery-filled learning experience.
Voyager Summer Camps – AI, Coding x Science
Join our STEAM.org accredited camps: Wonderlab: Little Explorers (5-7), Wonderlab: AI Coding Science Adventures (8+), and Summer Tech Camp (Python & AI). These programs enhance skills in science, coding, and technology, offering a fun and enriching learning experience for all ages.
