Opportunities in Non-Formal Education to Enhance Girls' Motivation Toward Learning Geography, Geospatial Technologies, and Related Careers

The growth of the geospatial industry demands that more workers are trained not only with technology, but also with specialized geographic knowledge to interpret data and solve problems. An important part of learning occurs in out-of-school contexts such as youth organizations that aim to develop career skills. The purpose of this study was to explore ways that educators within a non-formal educational environment may foster middle-school aged girls’ motivation for exploring geography and/or geospatial studies and future careers. The researcher developed an interventional program based on motivational factors such as intrinsic value (inherent enjoyment of an activity) and utility value (relevance to one’s goals/future) to answer the research questions: in what ways do the designed activities affect these factors and how can educators develop effective programs that promote girls’ interest in geography/GST. The study utilized a mixed-methods design including a pre-survey, post-survey, observations, and a semi-structured group interview. Four half-day workshops were held at the Girl Scouts STEM Center of Excellence in Dallas with a total of twenty-one participants. The results showed that the motivation to study geography/GST or to pursue a related career depended on their understanding of geography and how relevant it could be to their lives and goals. In addition, the participants’ own actions and words formed three themes, which will help non-formal educators to develop more effective programs in the future. These include activities that reflect the non-formal environment (more outdoors, hands-on), promote creative control, and start the exploration of geography with places in their community.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Geographic Education

Grantor

Texas State University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Elikan, Lisa

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jo, Injeong

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Fong, Carlton
• Giordano, Alberto
• Solem, Michael

• geographic education
• STEM motivation
• geography
• informal education

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10877/20750

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digital.library.txst.edu:10877/20750