First Advisor

Michael Flower

Date of Publication

1-1-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) in General Science

Department

Science Teaching

Language

English

Subjects

Computer science, Career choice, STEM, Vocational guidance -- Study and teaching (Secondary), Scientific ability -- Sex differences, Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary), Technology -- Study and teaching (Secondary), Engineering -- Study and teaching (Secondary), Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary)

DOI

10.15760/etd.370

Physical Description

1 online resource (iv, 54 p.) : ill.

Abstract

Girls who have high aptitude in math are not entering careers related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM fields) at the same rate as boys. As a result, female students may have fewer employment opportunities. This study explores one potential way to reduce the gap between male and female career aspirations and choices. Specifically, it looks at the impact of bringing women with careers in math- and science-related fields into high school classrooms as role models. The study uses surveys to measure pre- and post-visit perceptions of science and scientific work as well as student's short-term interest in math and science courses. In addition to these surveys, student comments were collected about the role model visits. While the overall study yielded little statistical significance, it also indicated that the role model visits had some impact on student perceptions and choices and raised questions that warrant further study.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Comments

Portland State University. Center for Science Education

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/7125

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