Priming Middle School Females’ Engagement in Engineering and Technology

The purpose of this study was to validate data collected between 2009-2013 via an instrument used to assess middle school girls’ identification with and interest in engineering and technology following the Society of Women Engineers’ WOW events. Recognizing the importance of measuring the impact of such mentored E & T activities on young females’ attitudes about and interest in STEM, and more specifically, engineering and technology, SWE outreach experts developed a participant survey based on event objectives and domain knowledge, but never rigorously examined whether it produced statistically valid data that could be used to draw inferences about girls’ propensity to enter the field, essentially a priming factor for future engagement. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the survey data evaluated in this study (N = 332) successfully validated a four factor latent construct, albeit not precisely as proposed with respect to item loading. Longitudinal use of such a validated tool could provide reliable data to better predict female engagement. It also establishes a jumping-off point for additional discourse and research on the effects of mentored E & T activities on female engagement in male-dominated career fields such as engineering and technology

Special Issue in Honor of Director Jonathan Bonk on the Occasion of his Retirement

A publication of the Dictionary of African Christian Biography with U.S. offices located at the Center for Global Christianity and Mission at Boston University. This special issue is in honor of and focuses on Project Director Jonathan Bonk. 1. Introduction by Associate Editor Jesse Mugambi; 2. DACB Kenya Report 2019 (Excerpts) By Jonathan J. Bonk; 3. Jonathan Bonk and the DACB: A Treasured Contribution to African Christian History By Deji Ayegboyin and M. A. Ogunewu; 4. His Mission and Its Impact on Africa By Olusegun Obasanjo; 5. Professor Jonathan J. Bonk: The African Dimension By Gabriel Leonard Allen; 6. A Strategic Mentor By Thomas Oduro; 7. A Humble Servant of God By Philomena Njeri Mwaura; 8. Biography as History in Explication of African Christianity A Reflection in Appreciation of Professor Jonathan Bonk By Jesse N. K. Mugambi; 9. Context in African Biblical Studies: Some Reflections By Madipoane Masenya (Ngwan’a Mphahlele); 10. The Faith and Witness of the Uganda Martyrs By Edison Muhindo Kalengyo; 11. From Abba Salama to King Lalibela: Christian Traditions in Ethiopia are among the oldest in the World By Tekletsadik Belachew; 12. A Faithful Legacy: Gratitude and Hope By Michèle M. Sigg