The Perspectives of University Students Working with Rural Schools: Developing a Virtual Science Role Models and Mentors Framework

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Perspectives of University Students Working with Rural Schools: Developing a Virtual Science Role Models and Mentors Framework
Language: English
Authors: Beverly J. Irby (ORCID 0000-0002-3560-2381), Cindy L. Guerrero (ORCID 0000-0002-9968-6684), Kara L. Sutton-Jones (ORCID 0000-0001-8071-748X), Henan Zhang (ORCID 0000-0002-5205-7434), Rafael Lara-Alecio (ORCID 0000-0001-5007-3580), Fuhui Tong (ORCID 0000-0003-0555-892X), Huiwen Pang (ORCID 0000-0002-3951-6050), Abbey Bachmann (ORCID 0000-0003-4598-8844)
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
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