Globalization, student participation in SciFest, 21st-century skill development, and female student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses in secondary schools in Ireland, such as St. Josephine’s Secondary School

2019-05-01Not unlike that of many countries, Ireland’s economy has historically relied heavily on agriculture. Recent worldwide developments regarding globalism, foreign direct investments, and the infusion of high-technology multinational corporations has created a need for an educated and highly skilled Irish workforce that can adapt to the demands of the new world economy. These challenges have created the need to increase opportunities for all Irish students, including females, to develop 21st-century skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) environments. ❧ This case study, although focused on a single all-girls secondary school in Ireland, was part of a group of 13 case studies conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Southern California. The research team sought to understand the influence of globalization and educational policy in Ireland on the development of 21st-century skills through implementation of STEM education and student participation in SciFest, a series of local, regional, national, and international science competitions and exhibitions for secondary students in Ireland. The study examines how Irish secondary schools prepare students simultaneously for participation in SciFest competitions and for the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination, which determines access to colleges and universities. It also explores stakeholder perceptions of the value of SciFest, how leadership practices influence student participation in SciFest, and how interacting factors may influence female interest in STEM fields. ❧ The findings of this predominantly qualitative study indicated that the clear majority of stakeholders who participated in SciFest, including students, parents, teachers, and school and community leaders, perceived that SciFest participation benefited students and helped them to develop 21st-century skills that would prepare them for high-level mathematics and science courses, as well as prepare them to compete in the dynamic new world economy. The findings also indicated that SciFest could build confidence in science in female students and that schools have developed practices to prepare students to compete in SciFest and to be successful on the Leaving Certificate Examination