Measuring early engineering interest: A scale for kindergarteners

Abstract

Early engineering interest (EEI) plays a key role in promoting children’s engineering learning in later stages, and children with EEI are likely to later consider engineering as a career choice. Thus, EEI development can provide a crucial foundation for talent training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The present study (1) explored the potential constructs of young children’s EEI and (2) developed an age-appropriate EEI scale. Using this instrument, early childhood engineering education researchers, curriculum developers, and educators can obtain a clearer understanding of children’s EEI. An EEI scale was developed; children aged between 5 and 6 years were selected as pretest participants. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted using Mplus 8.3 to verify the reliability and validity of the EEI scale. This study provided evidence indicating the reliability and validity of the EEI scale for measuring kindergarteners’ EEI.