Diversity in STEM
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- 2022-01-28
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The lack of diversity in STEM is a social justice issue and despite the progress, certain individual and women are underrepresented due to racial and ethnic background. They are not represented in the field of science, technology, engineering and management. the major factor that contributes to under representation includes- discrimination, cultural bias, structural unfairness, this not only harm the people who faces this kind of injustice in the society.
STEM Education deals with complex problems that benefit from multiple points of view. Science and technology are related to almost every field of our lives like starting from the food we eat to the mobile phones we use in recent times. However, innovations are not created they come from creativity and brain power of talented individuals working together to solve problem and achieve goals. A detailed research has proven that diversity can benefit from all of the things. Despite all the article post, blog post, TED talks there is still arguments on how to achieve diversity in STEM.
How Do We Increase Diversity in STEM –
Increasing diversity in STEM is a complex task that requires work in many arenas. According to the new record done in 2019 in California, female and minority graduates published many papers as their white male peer, when they felt accepted by their faculty and peer, had cleared all departmental expectations and felt prepared for their graduate course. Discrimination has negatively affected the mental health and academic outcomes.
Causes of the Lack of Diversity in STEM –
The following factors which contribute to the lack of diversity in STEM field –
1. Gender and racial stereotypes – Sexist and racist always doubt the abilities of woman of color to excel in STEM subjects continued. These kind of biases lead teachers to less encourage women and people of color about STEM subjects and expect less success from them.
2. Male and white dominated cultures – Mainly white men dominated the STEM field, and as a result fewer people were seen to be encouraging women and people of colors to pursue a career in STEM field.
3. Fewer role models – As women and people of colors were not appreciated in the STEM field, the future students and the graduates had less or no role models.
4.Confidence gap – Gender and racial stereotypes about academic ability can high impact the confidence of children. Further, research have shown that young girls have less confidence than boys in their mathematics skills.
The Impact of lack of diversity in STEM –
It is the fact that when women and people of color are denied STEM education, they miss out opportunities for high paying jobs in top rated industries. the white people dominates the STEM field and women and people of colors are highly discouraged to pursue a career in the STEM field.
Role of Educators –
It is the role of the educator and administrators to encourage and promote the STEM education among all, and creating an educational environment that include educational equity. We can all achieve this goal by promoting cultural representation, and by creating hiring practices which supports hiring practices that support diversity.
Developing Inclusive Curricula – Educators and administrators can take the following stem to encourage cultural diversity –
- Raise awareness – School teachers and administrators can take the training to better understand the requirements of under rated groups and address their biases.
- Explore diverse teaching style – by exploring variety of teaching and learning models, educators, are more likely to reach diverse students, with different level of aptitude, communication preferences, and learning styles.
- Model cultural inclusion and appreciation for diversity – Teachers can provide example to students displaying respect and appreciation.
- Promote diverse representation – Educators and administered can invite nonwhite people, and women from STEM field to speak to student about their experiences and serve as a role model.
