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Table 5 Phases of interest development rubric

From: Authentic STEM research, practices of science, and interest development in an informal science education program

Phases of Interest Development Rubric

Behavioral Indicator

(1) Triggered Situational

(2) Maintained Situational

(3) Emerging Individual

(4) Well-Developed Individual

Frequency of Engagement

Poor attendance (< 75% attendance)

Preferred less time to participate in activity or project

Somewhat consistent attendance (≥ 75% attendance)

Preferred same amount of time to participate in activity or project

Consistent Attendance (≥ 90% attendance)

Preferred slightly more time (1 or 2 days) to participate in activity or project

Exemplary attendance (100% attendance unless extenuating circumstances)

Preferred more time (> 2 days) to participate in activity or project

Depth of Engagement

Minimal knowledge and understanding of the content

Needs a lot of support from an expert to engage in activity or project

Some knowledge and understanding of the content (need to review)

Needs some support from an expert to engage in activity or project

Consistent knowledge and understanding of the content (do not need to review)

Needs minimal support from an expert to engage in activity or project

Exemplary knowledge and understanding of the content (do not need to review and can teach others)

Only occasionally needs support from an expert to engage in activity or project

Voluntary Engagement

Participates in activity or project only when it is mandatory

Does not want to reengage in activity or project following completion

Occasionally participates in activity or project beyond mandatory periods

Might want to engage in activity or project following completion

Sometimes participates in activity or project beyond mandatory periods

Most likely wants to engage in a similar type of activity or project following completion

Nearly always participates in activity or project beyond mandatory periods

Definitely wants to engage in the same activity or project following completion

Capacity for Independent Engagement

Does not engage in activities related to the project outside the scope of the program

Does not have plans to engage in this activity or project in the future (college or career)

Occasionally (< 1/month) engages in activities related to the project outside the scope of the program

Might want to engage in this activity or project in the future (college or career)

Regularly (monthly) engages in activities related to the project outside the scope of the program

Expressed interest in engaging in this activity or project in the future (college or career)

Consistently (> 1/month) engages in activities related to the project outside the scope of the program

Expressed definitive interest in engaging in this activity or project in the future (college or career)