Most pre-kindergarten (pre-K) and kindergarten curricula are challenging and engaging, but few are strongly grounded in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. In this study, the authors examined parental perception (N = 55) of the influences of a Saturday STEM enrichment program in one university center on pre-K and kindergarten students and their attitudes toward STEM learning. Using survey data collected from 2013 to 2016, the authors studied parental comments about benefits, drawbacks, and memorable moments they observed from their children’s experiences during the program. These comments were analyzed qualitatively using NVivo, and three main themes were developed. The themes were children’s reactions to STEM learning, meeting the needs of young gifted learners, and learning beyond the classroom. These themes reinforced current literature in the field showing young children’s need for STEM education. Sadly, few opportunities for STEM-focused programming for young children exist.

中文翻译：

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家长对幼儿 STEM 强化的看法

大多数学前班 (pre-K) 和幼儿园课程都具有挑战性和吸引力，但很少有人以科学、技术、工程和数学 (STEM) 教育为基础。在这项研究中，作者调查了家长对一个大学中心的周六 STEM 强化计划对学前班和幼儿园学生的影响的看法 (N = 55) 以及他们对 STEM 学习的态度。作者使用从 2013 年到 2016 年收集的调查数据，研究了父母对他们在计划期间从孩子的经历中观察到的好处、缺点和难忘时刻的评论。使用 NVivo 对这些评论进行了定性分析，并开发了三个主要主题。主题是儿童对 STEM 学习的反应、满足年轻天才学习者的需求以及课堂以外的学习。这些主题强化了该领域当前的文献，显示了幼儿对 STEM 教育的需求。可悲的是，针对幼儿的以 STEM 为重点的编程的机会很少。