Gender Issues In Education and STEM

Abstract    

In this seminar, we introduce some of the major gender-related issues in the context of education and science learning, such as the under-representation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Common perspectives, controversies and empirical evidence will be discussed.

Objective    

• To familiarize students with gender issues in the educational and STEM context and with controversies regarding these issues
• To develop a critical view on existing research and perspectives.
• To integrate this knowledge with teacher's work.

Content  

Why do fewer women than men specialize in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)? Are girls better in language and boys better in math? These and other questions about gender differences relevant to education and STEM learning have been occupying researchers for decades. In this seminar, students learn about major gender issues in the educational context and the different perspectives for understanding them.

The seminar builds on the active participation of students in reading, presenting and critically discussing selected papers in the field. We focus on empirical research and integrate implications for the classroom context. In a final small-group assignment, students integrate and elaborate on the topics learned in the seminar.

Prerequisites / Notice    

Prerequisite: Successful participation in the course 851-0240-00L Human Learning (EW1).