{"id":547,"date":"2017-11-18T14:08:18","date_gmt":"2017-11-18T19:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/edt431-531\/?p=547"},"modified":"2017-11-18T14:09:30","modified_gmt":"2017-11-18T19:09:30","slug":"an-interesting-perspective-the-nature-of-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/exemplary-science-teaching\/2017\/11\/an-interesting-perspective-the-nature-of-science\/","title":{"rendered":"An Interesting Perspective: The Nature of Science"},"content":{"rendered":"

Howdy bloggers,<\/p>\n

This week officially marks the seventh installment of An Interesting Perspective. In today’s post, we will discuss the importance of equity within the classroom, and how having an equitable classroom is beneficial to everyone.<\/p>\n

Picture this. You hear that a new, ground-breaking scientific discovery was found. It’s all anybody is talking about. You hear while walking through the streets, “This discovery has the potential to change the world.” Now, picture what you think the scientist who discovered this looks like. You might be thinking of somebody like this:<\/p>\n

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But why didn’t you think of somebody like this:<\/p>\n

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A scientist is not defined by their appearance. Anybody can be a scientist<\/strong>, no matter their height, their weight, their age, the clothing they wear, their gender, or their ethnicity.<\/p>\n

With this said, we often see very large discrepancies between males and females in science. This can be attributed to many things, but one of them is schooling. In fact, we have seen widespread gender segregation in schools, which has hindered effective classroom communication.<\/p>\n

This is dangerous, and can be very detrimental to students. Balance is necessary for any part of life, and that includes equity within a classroom. Take this for example. We can compare classroom equity with basketball. In basketball, if a team only settles for outside jump shots, they may score some big baskets, but won’t be able to score some easy baskets in the post. In a classroom, if all of your focus is on male students succeeding in science, you will have some go on to become scientists, but you will have missed out on the opportunity to encourage females to do the same.<\/p>\n

So, what are some strategies to create this balance?<\/p>\n

Place female students in leadership roles as often as male students<\/strong>. This is essential for classroom equity, because it allows both males and females to be seen as leaders equally. it also gives both males and females a chance to experience leadership roles, which can create a better sense of responsibility and understanding.<\/p>\n

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We must support gender diversity and strive for gender equity in leadership #WeForSheBC<\/a><\/p>\n

— Min of Justice\/Attorney General of Canada (@MinJusticeEn) November 17, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n