Titre complet : Promoting Gender Equity in Science
Education by Applying an Interdisciplinary Approach of Science and Art
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Résumé :
Nowadays, science education is considered as a key investment to meet global challenges and improve human life (2015 UNESCO Report). It is therefore imperative that the public is engaged in science issues that affect individual and societal progress (Marincola, 2006). However, one of the major issues facing science, engineering and technology today is the decline of women enrolling in these subjects and entering careers in these fields. This alarming trend may have serious repercussions on capacity in science as well as in social and economic development (Hill, Corbett and Rose, 2010).
Despite the emphasis placed on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) important deficits and wide disparities still prevent full involvement of all students and talents (Science Education for Responsible Citizens, European Committee).There are still many challenges for girls in STEM, including unsupportive classrooms, outdated pedagogy and lack of role models. Making connections between STEM and other disciplines such as Art, allows to embrace the creative potential of linking arts, scientific inquiry and innovation and overcome traditional gender bias by breaking through practices.
The main aim of this research project is to examine stereotypes, expectations and inequalities regarding STEM teaching and learning, in terms of gender in secondary education by applying an interdisciplinary approach of Teaching Science and Social Anthropology. Apart from examining the current situation, the project introduces innovative STEAM initiatives (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) as a way of empowering female students in educational settings. More specifically the study aims to:
- Bring about a change in how young girls as individual relate to STEM and their perceptions towards science careers ;
- Offer pre service and in service teachers as well as relevant stakeholders quality information regarding gender based didactics in STEM subject teaching ;
- Add valuable information in an international level as regards combating stereotypes and prompting broader participation to STEM among schoolgirls ;
- Stimulate the implementation of innovative approaches as STEAM- by incorporating Art to STEM and fostering gender balanced environments.
Because of the complexity of the research field, a mixed approach of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies will ensure that the limitations of one type of data will be balanced by the strengths of the other (e.g.in depth interviews with students, teachers and various stakeholders, ethnographic observation, questionnaires)
To this end, this project aims by examining the situation and offering a new conceptual framework to encourage equal participation, battling against ‘the leaky pipeline as societies can no longer afford to let schools sideline girls and discourage their achievements.
