Rakefet Nitzani‐Hendel

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Rakefet Nitzani‐Hendel is a leading voice in STEM education, with a focused research agenda on how early, informal learning experiences shape children’s academic trajectories and career aspirations. Her most-cited work, “STEM-oriented primary school children: participation in informal STEM programmes and career aspirations” (2023, 14 citations), breaks new ground by being the first to systematically investigate the impact of year-long, informal STEM programmes on primary school students. In this study, she collected and analysed demographic data to demonstrate that sustained participation in such programmes significantly boosts children’s motivation to pursue further STEM learning and strengthens their career aspirations in science and technology fields. This contribution is particularly vital in an era when fostering early interest in STEM is a global priority. By highlighting the power of informal education settings, Nitzani‐Hendel’s work provides evidence-based guidance for educators, policymakers, and programme designers seeking to broaden participation in STEM from the earliest stages of schooling. Her research continues to influence how we understand the critical role of out-of-school experiences in building a diverse and motivated future STEM workforce.