Students’ Perceptions of the Impact of Robotics Competitions on Career Choices and Skill Development

Authors: Brehme D’napoli Reis de Mesquita

Abstract:

This study examines the influence of robotics competitions on the career aspirations and skill development of middle and high school students. The program adopts an innovative approach by focusing on the students’ perceptions. The responses of 66 students who participated in a robotics competition were analyzed, encompassing individuals from various age groups and genders. The results indicate that the majority of students perceive robotics to be a significant aspect of their learning experience. Specifically, 81.8% of the participants classified robotics as ”very important,” while 16.7% rated it as ”important.” Furthermore, 63.6% of students indicated that their participation in robotics competitions has influenced their career decisions in fields such as engineering and information technology. The current data demonstrate that robotics competitions facilitate the development of essential skills, including logical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence. Students’ perceptions suggest that robotics serves as an effective educational tool, fostering increased motivation and engagement and preparing them for the challenges of the 21st-century job market. This study contributes to the extant literature by putting the students’ perspective at the forefront rather than the traditional view of teachers. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of targeted initiatives to promote inclusion and gender equity in robotics competitions. Practical implications of integrating robotics activities into the school curriculum suggest that it can enhance students academic performance and personal development. Subsequent studies could further enhance this research by incorporating a more substantial sample size and examining the long-term ramifications of robotics competitions on students’ career trajectories.

Keywords: Educational robotics, robotics competitions, skills development, career choice.

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