Kristie J. Newton

Papers

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About

Kristie J. Newton is an educational researcher whose work centers on STEM learning, particularly in informal and urban contexts, with a focus on equity and access for underrepresented students. Her most-cited study, “Informal STEM: Learning with Robotics and Game Design in an Urban Context” (2020, 49 citations), exemplifies her major contributions. Using a mixed-methods approach, Newton investigated how hands-on engagement with robotics and game design influenced predominantly African-American students’ self-efficacy, attitudes toward STEM, and computational thinking skills. This work highlights her commitment to understanding how informal learning environments can bridge opportunity gaps and foster authentic STEM engagement. By centering the experiences of students often marginalized in STEM education, Newton’s research provides actionable insights for designing inclusive, culturally responsive learning experiences. Her findings underscore the potential of robotics and game design not only to build technical skills but also to reshape students’ perceptions of themselves as capable STEM learners. Newton’s scholarship is a vital resource for educators and researchers seeking to create more equitable pathways into STEM fields, demonstrating that informal settings can be powerful catalysts for both learning and identity development.