Featured presentation: Strategies for tackling gender bias in the classroom & motivating women to pursue STEM

Monday, January 9, 2017

CTE
Doctoral students Amanda Garcia and Lauren Hayward Sierens will present their educational research on women in STEM and gender bias in the classroom in two interactive presentations on Wed., Jan. 18, 1:30-3:00. Participants will learn to describe the effects of gender bias on female students and will discuss a range of strategies intended to create inclusive classroom environments and to encourage women to embark upon and continue studies in STEM. The Centre for Teaching Excellence is hosting this event as part of the Certificate in University Teaching (CUT) program. All are welcome.

Wed., Jan. 18, 1:30–3:00 in EV1-241

Gender bias in the classroom: Strategies for instructors to tackle sexism and gender bias 
Amanda Garcia, Systems Design Engineering

Sexism and gender bias are, unfortunately, a common experience for women on university campuses. Facing these types of discrimination has been shown to result in negative academic outcomes, a reduction in the satisfaction of academic pursuits, and lowered self-confidence in female students. Within this climate, course instructors are well poised to be part of the solution by creating and fostering an inclusive space in their classrooms. This interactive workshop focuses on gender bias and sexism within the university classroom context. Participants will learn to describe the effects of gender bias on female students, to identify sexism and gender bias in their many forms, and to apply a range of strategies to create and promote an inclusive classroom environment. The workshop will emphasize group discussions and activities; individuals from all disciplines are welcome to attend.

Motivating female students to pursue studies and careers in STEM
Lauren Hayward Sierens, Physics 

Women are consistently underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and this gender gap becomes more striking as one moves along the academic career path from student to professor. Various research studies have linked this underrepresentation to stereotypes, implicit biases and discrimination against women in STEM, all of which can lead to decreased confidence and motivation to pursue scientific careers. In this presentation, I will discuss strategies for combatting the issues facing women in STEM, such as mentoring programs and teaching methods that can help to make university STEM environments more welcoming and encouraging toward female students.

For more information and to register, visit Special Topics in Teaching.