A New Challenge for Teachers: Encouraging Girls in Science, Math, IT Related Studies & Careers

 One key challenge educators face is the importance of encouraging girls to excel in math, science and computer science studies. As technology continues to drive the world of business, those challenged or generally disinterested in science and math will be left behind. In fact, that's exactly what's happening.
Although women make up approximately 50% of the general work force in the U.S., they only represent 9% of workers in the science and engineering community. With such a low percentage of female interest, the government is expecting increased worker shortages through the first decade of the 21st century for the information technology (IT) industry.
The core worker in the IT industry are computer engineers, systems analysts, programmers and computer scientists, which includes database administrators, computer support personnel and all other computer scientists. These are all careers that relate directly back to high school math and science, in addition to computer science studies.
Growth projections by The Bureau of Labor Statistics' indicate that the current graduation rate of those in undergraduate computer, information sciences and technology programs aren't high enough to sustain the industry's growth. In addition, they acknowledged that the even greater decrease of women into the computer science pipeline will have a profound effect on the industry.
These researchers believe that the low representation of women in computer science at the undergraduate level is inherited from the secondary school level, where girls do not participate in computer science courses and related activities as much as boys. Although girls are often well represented in earlier computing courses, they shy away from advanced courses. One possible reason for this is because of the increased focus on the technical and math course requirements.
This leads us back to math and science studies in elementary and high school, and yet another growing concern within the scientific community.
We currently believe that our nation's future economic prosperity and global competition depends on both scientific progress and our adaptability in the fields of science, technology and engineering. As our society shifts from a resource-intensive society to a knowledge-intensive economy, it is critical for all of us to develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to this new community.
With this in mind, knowledge of math and science has now become essential for those pursuing a high-status and well-paid job in our new technologically advanced workforce.
Again, the science community is concerned that industry growth in the early 21st century will far out pace that of graduates. Once again, research has suggested that the root of this problem can be traced back to elementary and high school classrooms.
In going back to the classroom, a study by the National Assessment of Education Progress discovered that girls score below the national mean on all science achievement items and express negatives attitudes towards science. The study acknowledged that societal, education and personal factors all contribute to this funding, but stressed that differences within the science classroom may be one of the biggest contributing factors.
So what factors are discouraging girls from excelling in math, science and computer science studies in high school? Research has shown a number of different issues that need to be addressed. They believe that girls are not presented with adequate information about science-related career opportunities and their prerequisites, and that high school counselors often do not encourage further courses in math and science. In addition, texts, the media and many adults often project sex-stereotyped views of science and scientists.
A lack of development of spatial ability skills may also be an issue, which could be fostered in shop and mechanical drawing classes. Girls also have fewer experiences with science activities and equipment, which are often stereotyped as being masculine.
In order to encourage girls in the pursuit of math and science, teachers are encouraged to maintain well-equipped, organized and perceptually stimulating classrooms, use non-sexist language and examples, include information on women scientists and stress creatively and basic skills and provide career information.
In addition, math and science teachers should use laboratories, discussions and weekly quizzes as their primary modes of instruction or teaching strategies and supplement those activities with field trips and guest speakers. If possible, teachers should also encourage parental involvement.
Studies have also shown that teachers, both male and female, who were successful in motivating girls to continue to study science, practiced what is called "directed intervention". They asked girls to assist with demonstrations, which required these students to perform and not merely record, in the laboratories, and in science-related fieldtrips.
When it comes to computer science studies, a similar approach can be taken. Although these studies do involved math, programming and technical issues, computer science educators need to be aware that working with computers involves much more than that. It also requires fully developed verbal and interpersonal skills - an area in which girls tend to excel at.
In order to attract more girls to the study, teachers should concentrate on applications and not just on math or programming. That's because girls generally don't get as excited about computers for their gadget value, as boys do. Instead, girls become more interested and engaged when technology is discussed in terms of it's usefulness for problem solving.
Computer science educators should also impart to girls the important need for women in the industry and outline more career options. For example, jobs are not just limited to programming; individuals are needed to help solve business problems with technology solutions. The industry itself is focused on solving problems, and developing solutions to help business continue to grow.
Conclusion:
By introducing science, math and computer science in a positive manner to girls in all levels of education, we may be able to turn the tide and see more and more women choose careers in these important fields. If we truly believe children are our future, now is the time to ensure that they have a place in the future we have created. Valerie Giles owns and operates Cyber-Prof: Teacher Resource Site an educational web site that specializes in resources for school and teacher supplies . Free stuff for teachers, teaching strategies, K-8, educational toys and games, back to school, classroom technology and home school curriculum. http://www.cyber-prof.com

 Valerie Giles

More Articles 

5 Promises that Can Take Your Life and Career to New Heights - Vickie Milazzo RN MSN JD
In 1982, the year I turned 28, I realized my life was headed all wrong. I had gone into nursing wide-eyed, thinking I could make a difference--even improve the state of healthcare. Then I bumped up against the reality that no matter how hard...

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Providing Career Opportunity - Josh Greenberg
This article relates to the Career Opportunity competency, commonly evaluated in employee satisfaction surveys. It explores issues such as internal growth opportunities, potential for advancement, career development importance, and the relationship...

Building A Career Of Choice - John Hoover
Let's face it, most career choices are not choices at all, but people held hostage by paychecks. Most of us fall into a job; followed by a paycheck, and then become immobilized into taking any pro-active moves toward something we really love...

Is A Travel Nursing Career A Dream Come True? - Kevin Erickson
Deciding what job to pursue after college entails more brain cells that most activities. Unlike deciding on what car to buy or what clothes to wear, one must give the decision its due because it will effect your happiness and quality of life for the...

Why More Women Should Consider a Career in Computer Programming - V Berba Velasco Jr Ph D
Everyone knows that computer programming is a heavily male-dominated field. I think this is unfortunate. Over the years, I've come to conclude that there is a great deal that women can contribute to this field. Why is computer programming...

Business Career Advice: Stop Feeling Guilty about Time Off! - Paul Megan
Are you sitting at your desk dreamily imagining yourself on a South Seas vacation? Or maybe a rollicking holiday with the family? Or maybe you'd prefer to stay home and watch some DVDs. Wanting to take some time off shouldn't make you feel...

How to Start a Career in Massage Therapy - Stephanie Macintosh
A career in massage therapy can be an extremely rewarding choice for people interested in working with and helping others. While learning the proper techniques from an accredited school or academy is paramount, there are a number of other...

Starting a Writing Career (or How I Sifted Through the Muck and Found My Way) - Michele R Acosta
So, the decision is final. I am a writer. Actually, I have always been a person who writes, but I have never applied the term to myself in a professional sense. Having pushed aside my financial fears and gained the requisite self-confidence, I...

The career mom is the CEO of everything! - Marsha Maung
I realized the critical importance of the role of career mom when I had my kids and had to work at home at the same time. Not only are career moms assuming the roles of being mom, they are also taking on the role of being a woman, a wife, a...

Lying on Your Resume Could Be the Best Thing You Could Do For Your Career - Derek Johnson
Lying on Your Resume Could Be the Best Thing You Could Do For Your Career By Derek Johnson Have you ever been passed over for a job despite the fact you KNEW you could've done the job in a stellar fashion? Are you frustrated...

Ten Career Tips to Share With Your Children (And you too!) - Cathy Goodwin Ph D
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" A. "Something that hasn't been invented yet." Most of us were brought up to study hard, get good grades, choose a "practical" college major, and strive for a "good job." Talk to a stranded midlife...

Are You Ready For A New Career? - David Richter
Is your current or most recent job truly what you want to do? Do you dread the prospect of coming into work every day? Do you look back on your work day as you travel home and cannot seem to find a fulfilling moment? If you answered yes, read on. ...