Impact of Robotics Workshops on Secondary School Students' Interest in Science and Technology Fields

Abstract

The goals of Malaysia for digitization and technical growth are seriously challenged by the country's secondary school students' dwindling interest in science and technology sectors. Motivated by this concerning trend, this study seeks to evaluate how a targeted robotics workshop can enhance students' interest and confidence in science and technology fields, contributing to the country's long-term educational and economic goals. A one-day robotic workshop involving 60 secondary school students was conducted, with pre- and post-program surveys assessing participants' knowledge, interest, and confidence levels in science and technology. A gender-specific analysis highlights a narrowing gap between male and female participants in interest levels post-program, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance female participation in science and technology activities. The study's contribution lies in demonstrating significant improvements in knowledge, interest, and confidence levels among participants, underscoring the potential of robotics education to foster enthusiasm and competence in STEM fields. These findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers on preparing future generations for the demands of the digital era through effective educational interventions.