SciFest and the development of 21st-century skills, interest in coursework in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and preparation of Irish students for a globalized Ireland

2019-04-25Ireland has experienced phenomenal economic growth due to globalization and an increase in multinational corporations (MNCs) and foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Irish state. In order to continue to provide MNCs with knowledge-based workers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, the Irish educational system must ensure that all students are afforded the opportunity to develop 21st-century skills through inquiry-based learning experiences such as SciFest. SciFest and like efforts provide students experiential project-based learning opportunities and contribute to the Irish educational system’s goal of increasing the number of students who stay in the STEM pipeline. ❧ This study examined the relationship between SciFest participation and preparation for the Leaving Certificate Examinations, explored how leadership affects SciFest participation and the perceived contribution of SciFest to the Irish economy. The study also examined participation in SciFest and its perceived influence on female students enrolling in senior-level and third-level STEM courses. ❧ The findings indicated that, with recent changes in state examinations, SciFest is positioned to contribute positively to the STEM educational curriculum. Principal and teacher leadership was perceived as an important factor in active participation. Confidence in STEM abilities among female students was noted by study participants as a positive effect of SciFest participation. Reflected in the qualitative and quantitative data, study participants expressed the opinion that SciFest prepares students to work in STEM fields in a globalized economy