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Short abstract:

Empirical insights from narrative interviews aim to identify factors that contribute to creativity in STEM education. The paper highlights that the inclusion of creative approaches in STEM education could have a positive impact on learners' confidence, self-efficacy and motivation.

Long abstract:

In our technologized and increasingly complex world, jobs in the field of STEM play a crucial role in driving innovation and sustainability. The constant search for new solutions and innovative products characterises the STEM field. Creativity is considered essential in driving innovative solutions and an essential skill for future engineers to excel in their careers.

However, women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM in Germany, particularly in engineering. Gender stereotypes and conflicts prevent women from pursuing careers in these fields. The inclusion of creative approaches is seen as a way of tackling this prevailing trend and may help to increase female students' interest in STEM subjects. This would be an opportunity to experience their skills and competences in a more unbiased way and weaken stereotypes. Research has shown how fostering creativity in STEM education positively impacts learners' confidence, self-efficacy and motivation.

To investigate the perceptions of creativity as well as the impact of learning experiences and contextual factors on creativity, empirical data from the mixed-methods study "digiMINT" (grant-no. 01FP22M01), is collected through narrative interviews with female pupils, students and industry representatives, as well as an online survey targeting young professionals in mechanical and plant engineering. The aim is to understand the factors that contribute to participants' creativity.

With narrative interviews on the transition from high school to university, the paper presents first empirical insights into the factors contributing to creativity in STEM education. It sheds light on the impact of learning experiences and shaping contextual factors on creativity in STEM education.