Understanding why women are under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) within Higher Education: a regional case study

Michael Christie; Maureen O'Neill; Kerry Rutter; Graham Young; Angeline Medland

doi:10.1590/0103-6513.220516

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Understanding why women are under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) within Higher Education: a regional case study

Journal article

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Understanding why women are under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) within Higher Education: a regional case study

Michael Christie, Maureen O'Neill, Kerry Rutter, Graham Young and Angeline Medland

Produção : uma publicação da Associação Brasileira de Engenharia de Produção, Vol.27(spe), pp.1-9

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6513.220516

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Abstract

diversity in STEM

sustainability in STEM

gender balance

Participation rates of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is comparatively low and their attrition rates high. An obvious solution is to attract more women to study such subjects. In 2016 the authors undertook research to find out why so few women enrolled in STEM subjects and investigate ways of increasing their recruitment and retention in this area. The informants in our study were enrolled in a tertiary preparation course as well as nursing and education programs. A critique of the literature was used to develop a survey that informed focus group and interview schedules which were used in collecting data. Our study found that many of the factors that hindered women from applying for STEM courses twenty years ago still apply today and recommends actions that can help increase recruitment of women into STEM and assist their retention and graduation in those areas of tertiary education.

Details

Title: Understanding why women are under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) within Higher Education: a regional case study
Authors: Michael Christie (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education - Legacy
Maureen O'Neill (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
Kerry Rutter (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Tertiary Access - Legacy
Graham Young (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, UniSC Fraser Coast
Angeline Medland (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, UniSC Gympie
Publication details: Produção : uma publicação da Associação Brasileira de Engenharia de Produção, Vol.27(spe), pp.1-9
Publisher: Associação Brasileira de Engenharia de Produção
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.1590/0103-6513.220516
ISSN: 1980-5411; 0103-6513
Organisation Unit: Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching; School of Education - Legacy; School of Tertiary Access - Legacy; School of Education and Tertiary Access; UniSC Gympie; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; UniSC Fraser Coast
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99523208602621
Output Type: Journal article

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