Gender Equity in Science Education

N

48

Females; Classroom Environment; Sex Fairness; Science Education; Equal Education; Gender Bias; Literature Reviews; Cooperative Learning; Inquiry; Empowerment; Teaching Methods; Womens Education; Intervention; Gender Issues; Change Strategies; Teacher Education Programs; Faculty Development

The dearth of females in high-level science courses and professions is a well-documented phenomenon in modern society. Inequality in science instruction is a crucial component to the under representation of females in science. This paper provides a review of current literature published concerning gender inequality in K-12 science instruction. The existing literature suggests that the competitive nature of traditional science classrooms and the view of science as a male field of study inhibit female scientific performance. In an effort to provide educators with guidance in creating a gender equitable science classroom, this paper documents methods, such as creating a collaborative learning environment and increasing inquiry-based opportunities, which effectively counteract the disempowerment of females in science. Identifying aspects that disempower and empower females in K-12 science classrooms should provide a context for creating improvement in the gender equity of science instruction. A Conceptual Model for Building Spatial Visualization in Girls is appended.

As Provided

38

2011

ED521160