Assessing the Effectiveness of STEM Enrichment Programs: A Comparison between Switzerland and Germany

Abstract

This paper outlines the data collection of a pilot study conducted in the summer 2024, addressing the gap in the literature regarding the impact of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) enrichment programs with a focus on computational thinking. While existing research highlights the effectiveness of such programs on cognitive and psychological factors, much of the evidence is context-specific studies. This project compares two educational systems in Switzerland and Germany, offering insights into how enrichment programs impact students in different educational environments.