Solutions
So, how do we begin to fix these problems? Based upon research, I believe that the most effective way to get more girls interested and comfortable with physics is to start early. Parents and teachers should constantly expose girls to scientific and mathematical principles so that they will feel as if they are capable of being successful. It seems as if the main reason why girls don't pursue careers in "hard sciences" is that they many believe themselves to be innately less intelligent in these fields. For example, 31% of girls in elementary school say they are good at math; a number that sinks to 18% in middle school. Not only is the viewpoint completely false, but it can cause great harm to young girls.
In addition to low self-esteem, girls will be left behind in a world that is becoming increasingly focused on science, math, and technology. We can fix this, however, by making young girls confident with their abilities in these subjects. Not every girl wants to be a scientist or mathematician, but every girl should feel as though she is capable of pursuing those careers.
In addition to low self-esteem, girls will be left behind in a world that is becoming increasingly focused on science, math, and technology. We can fix this, however, by making young girls confident with their abilities in these subjects. Not every girl wants to be a scientist or mathematician, but every girl should feel as though she is capable of pursuing those careers.
Eight Ways to Get Your Young Daughter Interested in Science and Math
How to Get High School Girls More Receptive to Physics
Although female high school students are under-represented in AP Physics courses, many students of both genders have an aversion to this subject. Therefore, outreach should be designed to target both genders, not just girls. Many of the aspects of a physics course that will attract girls will also attract boys.
In order to interest students in physics, teachers should connect the principles to their students everyday experiences. Find creative and fun ways to teach physics through movies, sports, or nature. Projects based on pop culture are an especially effective way to get a class excited about work, and they will learn a lot by immersing themselves in something that they consider to be fun. For example, have students select a movie clip that defies the laws of physics. Then have them make a fun and entertaining video of their own, explaining the principles behind this. It is also a good idea to reduce lecture time and increase the amount of hands-on learning. Not only will this cause many to actually learn the material much better, but it will hold their interest and take away the unfamiliarity of physics. |
1) Understand the Importance of Introductory-Level Physics Courses
The first year of physics study is essential to the retention of female (and male!) majors. Freshmen courses should be enjoyable, informative, and interactive. New students should be exposed to the many wonders and merits of physics, making continuation in the field a more attractive option. To accomplish this, college faculty should select charismatic and effective professors to teach first- year courses. The classes should be very interactive, relying on discussion and teamwork to instill physics principles. The curriculum should be designed to attract new students as well; one way to accomplish this is to incorporate contemporary and interesting topics into the class. For example, the University of Maryland at College Park has an I-Series program which accomplishes this. Among the courses they offer are Physics of Music, Physics for Decision Makers: Global Energy Crisis, and The Manhattan Project (which explores the development of the atomic bomb, an accomplishment made possible by a female physicist).
2) Establish a Friendly Department Atmosphere
In order to make students comfortable in their environments and foster camraderie, student lounges should be set up. They should include things like computers, couches, desks, TV's, microwaves, and a fridge. This would encourage physics students (male and female) to socialize with one another and build those connections that are so important. Physics students and faculty should also have many casual events together, allowing students to acquaint themselves with professors who may be mentors to them throughout their academic careers.
3) Form a Women in Physics Group
Although all students should socialize with one another, it is important to have a group just for women, in which members can talk about their experiences and frustrating. The group should organize outreach activities where students expose younger children to physics, allowing female undergraduates to see themselves as knowledgeable role models, which will boost confidence. It would be beneficial for females to see their fellow classmates succeeding, struggling, and failing, so that they are able to see that their success depends upon their own determination, not their gender. These groups would also make it easier for female faculty to mentor young women.
The first year of physics study is essential to the retention of female (and male!) majors. Freshmen courses should be enjoyable, informative, and interactive. New students should be exposed to the many wonders and merits of physics, making continuation in the field a more attractive option. To accomplish this, college faculty should select charismatic and effective professors to teach first- year courses. The classes should be very interactive, relying on discussion and teamwork to instill physics principles. The curriculum should be designed to attract new students as well; one way to accomplish this is to incorporate contemporary and interesting topics into the class. For example, the University of Maryland at College Park has an I-Series program which accomplishes this. Among the courses they offer are Physics of Music, Physics for Decision Makers: Global Energy Crisis, and The Manhattan Project (which explores the development of the atomic bomb, an accomplishment made possible by a female physicist).
2) Establish a Friendly Department Atmosphere
In order to make students comfortable in their environments and foster camraderie, student lounges should be set up. They should include things like computers, couches, desks, TV's, microwaves, and a fridge. This would encourage physics students (male and female) to socialize with one another and build those connections that are so important. Physics students and faculty should also have many casual events together, allowing students to acquaint themselves with professors who may be mentors to them throughout their academic careers.
3) Form a Women in Physics Group
Although all students should socialize with one another, it is important to have a group just for women, in which members can talk about their experiences and frustrating. The group should organize outreach activities where students expose younger children to physics, allowing female undergraduates to see themselves as knowledgeable role models, which will boost confidence. It would be beneficial for females to see their fellow classmates succeeding, struggling, and failing, so that they are able to see that their success depends upon their own determination, not their gender. These groups would also make it easier for female faculty to mentor young women.