Engineering Messaging and Female Role Models: Do They Make a World of Difference?

• In Event: Recruiting and Advancement of Underrepresented Groups in the Professions

Abstract

This study evaluates pre/post 5th grade students’ (n=611) perceptions of engineering using an attitudes assessment and a Draw-an-Engineer Test in eight elementary schools. The control group participated in the program prior to the implementation of an explicit engineering messaging intervention, while the treatment group received the messaging intervention. Engineering attitudes were measured on two dimensions, knowledge of engineering as a career and interest in engineering. All students significantly gained on the knowledge of engineering dimension. Prior to the messaging intervention, interest in engineering actually decreased, yet increased after the messaging intervention, resulting in a significant time and messaging interaction effect. Gender of the Graduate Teaching Fellow was the only factor that impacted the engineers drawn by the students.

Authors

• Stephanie Rivale, University of Colorado

• Janet L. Yowell, University of Colorado

• Jayne Aiken, University of Colorado

• Sweta Adhikary, University of Colorado

• Alexander I. Archuleta, University of Colorado

• Daniel W. Knight, University of Colorado

• Jacquelyn F. Sullivan, University of Colorado