How Role Models Work: Tackling Socio-cultural Challenges to Empower Youth for Female Participation in Science

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 11:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Science Teaching and Learning

Abstract

While increasing female presence and role models in science has been recognized as a must-effort in many contexts and countries, the difficulties of implementation may vary depending on social norms and invisible barriers. This case study is situated in Taiwan to document how a yearlong youth team unfolds this gender issue in both formal and informal physics learning contexts. Through participant observational method and discourse analysis, primary results showed the phases for conceptual changes and the process of transition from outsiders to constructing identity partaking in this issue. Followed by revisiting the theoretical framework for female engagement, this study will provide suggestions for future research and practice enacting to practical solution in responding to science for all.

Authors

• Yu-Hui Chang, National Sun Yat-sen University

• Yueh-Chang Li, National Sun Yat-sen University

• Shih-An Yang, National Sun Yat-sen University

• I-Shin Liu, National Sun Yat-sen University/Institute of Education