What is it about?
There are several well documented areas in which women students in STEM fields have concerns: lack of confidence, lack of experience, fear of not fitting in, fear of failure, stereotype threat, impostor syndrome, needs for interpersonal relationships, concerns over work-life balance, and a desire to help mankind. As these concern are shared by some men as well, the recommendations given for addressing these concerns benefit all students.
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Why is it important?
As our society advances, more STEM professionals are needed, and an increase in the depth and breadth of the talent pool is advantageous. Both the quality and climate of a profession tend to be improved as diversity increases; diversity usually expands the range of solving problems approaches, which can improve overall achievements.
Perspectives
I prepared this conference paper for a session entitled, "Tips for new and not so new faculty" at the meeting of the Acoustical Society of America. As I researched ideas for helping women students, I realized that the concerns identified by several published studies do not apply only to the women students. Furthermore the suggestions given to address the concerns are similar to those given in books such as "What the Best College Teachers Do." I wrote the article to compile a list of how these best teaching practices can be used to address student concerns. I hope it will help professors, advisors, teachers, and mentors encourage all of there students to pursue STEM fields.
Dr. Tracianne Neilsen
Brigham Young University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: How understanding and addressing the concerns of women students benefits all students, January 2017, Acoustical Society of America (ASA),
DOI: 10.1121/2.0000586.
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