Murzi, Homero; Torero, Jose; Sevilla, Kevin; Gattas, Joe; (2023) Impact of a Voluntary Extracurricular Research Program on Engineering Students' Sense of Belonging: An Exploratory Case Study. International Journal of Engineering Education , 39 (2) pp. 703-718.

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Abstract

In order to find ways to increase motivation and engagement in civil engineering students, and provide students with a space to develop sense of belonging and engage with their peers through a co-curricular experience, the Icarus program was developed. The purpose of this exploratory study is to understand students’ experiences participating in Icarus. The program’s goal was to provide students with a different space to develop the desired competencies and skills while simultaneously form their identity as engineers. The research design is an exploratory case study. Data were collected qualitatively and quantitatively. Results showed that the main motivation students had to join the Icarus program was to apply theory from class into real world engineering problems, and to work and engage with peers. In addition, Icarus students demonstrated higher levels of aspirations in their engineering courses, and higher levels of deep learning when compared to other non-Icarus engineering students in the same year. Students’ experience with the program was positive and they reported how improved issues related to their academic program, their relationships with mentors, and their perceptions of inclusion.

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