Gender and Student Attitudes Toward STEM

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Program Evaluation in Schools Poster Session

Abstract

An increase in the demand for workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is motivating K-12 schools to increase their number of graduates with STEM competencies. In 2010 a large foundation in a southeastern state launched a three-year STEM Initiative to improve student attitudes toward STEM, especially among females and other groups underrepresented in the STEM workforce. To build understanding about the STEM Initiative’s progress the authors are conducting a formative evaluation of the initiative, and are collecting data using a comprehensive, detailed, valid, and reliable Student Attitudes toward STEM Survey. Initial findings from the survey show that male and female students differ greatly in their attitudes toward STEM and their interest in STEM careers.

Authors

• Alana Unfried, North Carolina State University

• Malinda Faber, North Carolina State University

• Eric N. Wiebe, North Carolina State University