{"id":7146,"date":"2024-12-05T21:47:35","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T02:47:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/exemplary-science-teaching\/?p=7146"},"modified":"2024-12-05T21:47:37","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T02:47:37","slug":"representation-in-stem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/exemplary-science-teaching\/2024\/12\/representation-in-stem\/","title":{"rendered":"Representation in STEM"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When many people think of scientists, they think of white men. When someone is talking about a doctor, most people assume they are men. STEM is heavily influenced by Western white culture when there is more that can be contributed to the science field. In fact, until the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans weren’t allowed to enroll in universities (MINI BRIEF<\/em>, 2010). This hindered so many people from contributing and pursuing STEM fields. Where would we be today with their input and perspective? The graph below shows the characteristics of the STEM workforce from 2011 to 2021. Though there is a noticeable increase in the minority within STEM, it’s still very disproportional to white people in STEM. How can this be addressed? The place to start is in early education.\u00a0
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(Grieco, 2023)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultivating the Future of the STEM Workforce<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


Educators are essential to increase the minority population in STEM fields. They expose students to the material and encourage them to pursue their dreams. Here are some ways they can make a difference in a minority educational career:
1. Make STEM relevant\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEM may seem like an intimidating material and subject for students. To counteract this, have students relate STEM to their own lives. Employ hands-on tasks that apply concepts to real-world scenarios. Instead of lecturing to students, focus on projects that expand outside the classroom. Allow students to make decisions on their own and how they apply concepts to their lives. Each student has a unique perspective and background. Utilize both of these gifts to show students that STEM is not that intimidating and isn\u2019t impossible to learn and understand. Around the classroom, show pictures of STEM contributors who are underrepresented and their stories. Have speakers come in who represent minority populations and talk about their jobs and experiences. These will help students see themselves in STEM and relate it to their lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Culturally responsive teaching<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Chances are that not every student in your classroom will know English or from the same background. You need to acknowledge that every student deserves equal opportunity to learn and apply themselves to STEM. For students that have language barriers or cultural differences, get to know the student and family. Have meetings with the student and parents to directly address any issues or concerns. Within lessons, activate prior knowledge and personal experiences to learn new concepts and knowledge. They interact with STEM more often than they realize, it\u2019s just making those connections that are key. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Self Expression<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Many students see STEM as strict and restrictive in terms of ideas and outlooks. But in reality, creativity is equally important as math. Students need to utilize ideas and creative thinking to come up with solutions, especially when reworking experiments. Teachers need to encourage students to speak up and not favor certain students. Make every voice feel heard and confident, even if their answer is not correct. Positive self-esteem is essential for minority populations to feel like they can succeed in STEM. Guide students to explore STEM, even if their grades are not \u201cgreat\u201d. Make students realize that the path in STEM is not straight forwards and if they work hard and be persistent, then they can succeed. Be inclusive in the classroom culture you create on day 1 of class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Using these strategies, educators can contribute to the increase in minority representation in STEM fields.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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