Connection, Engagement, and Belonging: Exploring Young Women's Positive Experiences for Building Inclusive STEM Classrooms

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Developing STEM Thinking Equitably

Abstract

This qualitative study was designed from an appreciative and positive research focus to examine how and why young women engage in, succeed and persevere in STEM courses. The objective of this research was to gain new perspectives on improving gender equality in STEM education. Three significant themes emerged from data collected through questionnaires and focus groups: Participating young women were supported in and persisted in STEM learning through experiences of (a) Relational Connection with teachers and/or students, (b) Engagement with STEM Curriculum that reflected influential pedagogical learning cultures and (c) Cultures of Belonging and Inclusion. This research offers additional and complementary findings to those from studies that focus on challenges and obstacles for women’s success in STEM academics and careers.

Authors

• Elizabeth Saville, University of British Columbia Okanagan

• Jennifer Jakobi, University of British Columbia Okanagan

• Sabre Lynn Cherkowski, University of British Columbia