Gary Stewardson

Papers

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About

Gary Stewardson’s research centers on the intersection of educational robotics and student motivation, with a particular focus on how hands-on engineering challenges can build self-efficacy and engagement in STEM. His most influential work, “Investigating the relationship between VEX robotics and student self-efficacy: an initial look” (18 citations), provides foundational evidence that participation in VEX robotics competitions positively shapes students’ confidence in their technical abilities. Stewardson further explores this theme in “Exciting Students through VEX Robotic Competitions” (7 citations), where he demonstrates how competitive robotics can spark lasting interest in engineering disciplines. In “Successfully integrating robotics into your curriculum” (2 citations), he offers practical guidance for educators navigating the growing landscape of platforms like VEX, FIRST, and LEGO MINDSTORMS. By bridging theory and classroom practice, Stewardson’s work has helped legitimize robotics as a tool for authentic learning, showing that autonomous programming and driver-controlled challenges alike can transform student attitudes toward STEM. His research remains a valuable resource for educators seeking evidence-based strategies to inspire the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers.