Four ways for schools to encourage more females into STEM

Females have long been underrepresented within the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. They are capable of making an impact on those areas. However, often lack of confidence, failure to see a high proportion of comparable role models, and the lack of attention given to them within specific settings can prevent females from following their dreams. Continue reading for four ways which could help encourage a higher number going into STEM.

Role Models

Expose all children to leading females within STEM to show them that the typical scientist does not necessarily wear a white jacket, wear glasses and, most importantly of all, have to be a man. Use picture books from a young age, watch the news where women are interviewed about important matters, not just the men, and generally show an unbiased ratio of male to female. Invite prestigious members from your local community, such as engineers, into your establishment to discuss their careers in STEM and be sure to have a fair number of women too. Although you wish to increase the ratio of men to women in these industries, it is also crucial that you offer an accurate picture.

Encouragement

Typically, men were firefighters, hence the term firemen. However, at some point, women broke into the ranks, and now, there is a growing number of them within the fire service. With regard to STEM, girls just need to be encouraged and shown that it is possible for them to achieve things that were once viewed as men-only roles within society. Regular reminders that gender does not have to dictate your future careers is vital.

Celebrate

There are so many achievements which go almost unheard of compared to those of their male counterparts. The celebration of those crucial developments or awards being won is essential to demonstrating that females in STEM matter. Eye catching displays in schools are a great idea. Back with brightly colored paper and use one of many attractive bulletin board borders like the ‘science rocks’ one. Add QR codes for students to scan to find out more information about different people or job roles. Change on a regular basis to avoid being seen purely as wallpaper. Although ideal for schools, youth clubs would benefit from this approach too.

Break stereotypes

Stereotypes are formed at a young age because of the information children are exposed to. For example, if children watch TV programs that contain all male scientists, they will undoubtedly assume that scientists are male. If you asked young children to draw what a scientist or a mathematician looked like, you are pretty much guaranteed to receive many responses all in a similar ilk. Large frizzy hair, glasses and a white lab coat for the scientists. Tweed jacket, bow tie and glasses for the mathematician. These stereotypes have existed for centuries, and it is time to smash them. Challenge them head on next time you hear someone say postman or fireman. Letting things slide means that more and more children will grow up believing something that truly is not reality.