Development and initial validation of the Engineering Learning Experiences Scale

Learning experiences, or the sources of self-efficacy, play a prominent role in social cognitive career theory (Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994, 2000). Although research devoted to academic and career development in engineering has grown in recent years, researchers are limited by the lack of adequ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of vocational behavior 2021-02, Vol.124, p.103516, Article 103516
Main Authors: Garriott, Patton O., Hunt, Heather K., Navarro, Rachel L., Flores, Lisa Y., Lee, Bo Hyun, Suh, Han Na, Brionez, Julio, Slivensky, Diana, Lee, Hang-Shim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cognitive ability
College students
Engineering
Learning
Learning experiences
Scale development
Social cognitive career theory
Sources of self-efficacy
Teaching methods
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Summary:Learning experiences, or the sources of self-efficacy, play a prominent role in social cognitive career theory (Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 1994, 2000). Although research devoted to academic and career development in engineering has grown in recent years, researchers are limited by the lack of adequate instrumentation to assess learning experiences in engineering fields. Across two studies with Latinx and White undergraduate engineering students, we developed and provide initial reliability and validity evidence for the Engineering Learning Experiences Scale (ELES). Results suggested the presence of four sub-factors consistent with social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1997) and research: performance accomplishments, vicarious learning, verbal persuasion, and emotional/physiological arousal. Scores on the ELES correlated in theoretically consistent ways with engineering SCCT variables as well as relevant, Holland-themed learning experiences. The ELES is a 22-item, theory-based instrument designed to assess learning experiences in undergraduate engineering students. Implications for future research and practice with engineering students are discussed. •Items were generated in two samples of undergraduate engineering students.•The 22-item Engineering Learning Experiences Scale (ELES) was developed.•The ELES measures the four sources of self-efficacy in social cognitive theory.•The ELES correlated in expected directions with validity measures.•We found support for a two-source model for scoring of the ELES.
ISSN:0001-8791
1095-9084
DOI:10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103516