Perspectives on Imagination in STEM: Results of a Fieldwide Survey

This report presents results of a survey of 101 professionals' perspectives on imagination in STEM, describing the survey’s methods and results. The goal of the survey was to describe the landscape of beliefs about and understandings of imagination in the context of STEM practice and STEM education. Findings suggest that professionals (representing various sectors within or adjacent to STEM education and practice) believe in the power of imagination in STEM; there is an appetite - and need - for more imagination-infused work; and definitions of imagination varied, offering an expansive range of entry-points to the construct. Overall, results suggest that professionals in STEM education (and adjacent) sectors collectively hold rich understandings of the role of imagination in STEM, but more work is needed to support professionals in developing and implementing imagination-infused efforts.