Gender-Conscious Curricular Possibilities in Engineering: An Examination of Ethiopian Higher Education

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Intersectional Supports and the Creation of Wide-Ranging Educational Possibilities (Table 9)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is: to investigate the curricular experiences of women studying engineering at public universities in Ethiopia; and to advance a gender-conscious curriculum in support women’s participation in engineering? I used a phenomenological study design, involving analysis of qualitative data from seven interviewees, spanning three public universities. I found that: (1) the role of choice is important in the Ethiopian postsecondary landscape; (2) English is a questionable medium of instruction; and (3) students have varied perceptions of effective teaching and learning. Overall, findings showed that the current teaching and learning environment in Ethiopian institutions is not conducive to women’s success in engineering. However, the students themselves suggest new possibilities for how to change teaching and learning practices.

Author

• Meseret F. Hailu, University of Georgia