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Impact of a One-Week Bioengineering Outreach Activity on the Academic Perceptions and Motivation of High School Students

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Impact of a One-Week Bioengineering Outreach Activity on the Academic Perceptions and Motivation of High School Students
Language: English
Authors: J. S. Sousa, B. M. P. Gonçalves, C. Ferreira, J. M. Rocha, S. Faia, L. C. Simões (ORCID 0000-0002-4893-1985), M. Simões (ORCID 0000-0002-3355-4398)
Source: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education. 2026 54(3):283-291.
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: 9
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Biology, Engineering, Outreach Programs, High School Students, Student Attitudes, Student Motivation, Foreign Countries, Summer Programs, Universities, Program Effectiveness
Geographic Terms: Portugal
DOI: 10.1002/bmb.70053
ISSN: 1470-8175
1539-3429
Abstract: Many universities across Europe have developed outreach programs to bring high school students closer to science and help them make more informed decisions about their academic futures. At the University of Porto (Portugal), the Junior University is a summer school that offers research and development activities on specific topics, enabling students to experience university life and the research environment through representative hands-on programs. This report presents the impact of a one-week bioengineering program, conducted at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) and repeated over 4 weeks, on the academic literacy and motivation of high school students. Throughout each week, students completed two questionnaires--one at the beginning and another at the end of the program. The results reveal clear improvements in their understanding of bioengineering concepts and applications. For some students, the experience reinforced their interest in the field, while for others, it helped clarify that bioengineering might not be their preferred area of study. Overall, the outcomes of this study highlight the value of university-led initiatives in enhancing high school students' academic literacy and supporting them in making more informed, thoughtful decisions regarding their future academic and professional paths.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506670
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Many universities across Europe have developed outreach programs to bring high school students closer to science and help them make more informed decisions about their academic futures. At the University of Porto (Portugal), the Junior University is a summer school that offers research and development activities on specific topics, enabling students to experience university life and the research environment through representative hands-on programs. This report presents the impact of a one-week bioengineering program, conducted at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) and repeated over 4 weeks, on the academic literacy and motivation of high school students. Throughout each week, students completed two questionnaires--one at the beginning and another at the end of the program. The results reveal clear improvements in their understanding of bioengineering concepts and applications. For some students, the experience reinforced their interest in the field, while for others, it helped clarify that bioengineering might not be their preferred area of study. Overall, the outcomes of this study highlight the value of university-led initiatives in enhancing high school students' academic literacy and supporting them in making more informed, thoughtful decisions regarding their future academic and professional paths.
ISSN:1470-8175
1539-3429
DOI:10.1002/bmb.70053