Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, vol.19, no.1, pp.41-65, 2024 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
The aims of this research were to examine the changes in the students’ perceptions of engineers, engineering as a profession, learning of engineering design processes (EDP), awareness of engineering branches, and their future career choices through Engineering Design Process activities with the 5E learning model. Sixty disadvantaged students between 4th grade to 8th grades comprised the sample group. Engineering activities were held over 8 weekend days outside of school with engineers and science educators. The study was a single group pre-test and post-test weak experimental design using qualitative data sources. Draw an Engineer Test (DAET) along with written descriptions were used as a pre-test and post-test to examine students’ perceptions of engineers and engineering before and after the intervention and the career choice test (CCT) was used to compare their future career choices and awareness of engineering branches. Based on the results, their perceptions about engineering changed by using the words design, produce, invention, and production, which were included in EDP. Their career choice of being an engineer or learning engineering branches changed with the aim of improving their standard of living.