The Perspectives of University Students Working with Rural Schools: Developing a Virtual Science Role Models and Mentors Framework
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| Title: | The Perspectives of University Students Working with Rural Schools: Developing a Virtual Science Role Models and Mentors Framework |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Beverly J. Irby (ORCID |
| Source: | Science Education. 2026 110(3):879-894. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) (ED), Education Innovation and Research (EIR) |
| Contract Number: | S411B200055 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education Elementary Education Early Childhood Education Grade 3 Primary Education |
| Descriptors: | College Students, Student Attitudes, Majors (Students), Science Education, College Science, Mentors, Role Models, Cross Age Teaching, Elementary School Students, Grade 3, Rural Schools, Virtual Classrooms, Interpersonal Relationship, STEM Careers, Science Interests |
| Geographic Terms: | Texas |
| DOI: | 10.1002/sce.70036 |
| ISSN: | 0036-8326 1098-237X |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of university science majors who served in the Science Role Models and Mentors (SRM²) program through virtual participation in science classroom visits with high-needs, third-grade rural students across Texas, United States. After the science mentors completed the virtual classroom visits, their individual responses were collected via Flip. Using thematic analysis, we detected the following themes: (a) creating real-world science connections, (b) making connections and establishing relationships, and (c) emphasizing and featuring science careers and interests. Additionally, we found that the virtual science mentors perceived the mentoring experience positively, and they enjoyed sharing their passion for science with the third-grade students. These findings led to the development of a Virtual SRM2 Framework. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1502372 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of university science majors who served in the Science Role Models and Mentors (SRM²) program through virtual participation in science classroom visits with high-needs, third-grade rural students across Texas, United States. After the science mentors completed the virtual classroom visits, their individual responses were collected via Flip. Using thematic analysis, we detected the following themes: (a) creating real-world science connections, (b) making connections and establishing relationships, and (c) emphasizing and featuring science careers and interests. Additionally, we found that the virtual science mentors perceived the mentoring experience positively, and they enjoyed sharing their passion for science with the third-grade students. These findings led to the development of a Virtual SRM2 Framework. |
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| ISSN: | 0036-8326 1098-237X |
| DOI: | 10.1002/sce.70036 |
