Gender Friendly Technology Education

1. Beyond Smash & Crash Gender Friendly Technology Education

2. Beyond Smash & Crash Gender Friendly Technology Education Ray McCarthy, Ed.D Monument Valley Regional Middle School Great Barrington, Massachusetts

3. Statement of Problem • Women are under represented in STEM fields of study and careers… • A subset of STEM, Technology Education, is possibly one of the least integrated fields for women as students and as professionals… • What accounts for this and what are potential remedies?

4. & • “The United States graduates ~70,000 engineers, India produces 150,000 and China gets 300,000 new engineers” yearly ~ T. Friedman

6. Research Question 1 What were common themes in these women’s lives and educational experiences that can shed light on ways to increase the numbers of females participating in STEM fields in general and Technology Education in particular?

7. Question 1: Common Themes • Early Childhood Self-identity • Strategy Development • (Schlossberg et al, 1995) • Direct Male Role Modeling • Maternal Support • “Fluid Gender Roles” • Male & Female Technology Education Teachers as Role Models

8. Research Question 2 What strategies did these female technology education teachers develop to overcome the gender barriers blocking their chosen studies & careers?

9. Question 2: Strategies • Interacted with their Fathers and • Grandfathers • Participated in Hands-on Activities • Slipped In and Out of Gender Roles • Found Male Technology Education • Teachers as Role Models

10. Question 2: Strategies • Developed Technological Skills • Assumed some “Male” Roles • Pursued Hands-on and Male Oriented Jobs • Over-achieved

11. Research Question 3 What should be done to recruit more women to Technology Education studies and careers?

12. Question 3: Recruiting More Women • Include Technology Education in early grades…”by the end of fifth grade a girl decides what her options are in math and science…” • “Five year older Role Models” • Mandate more exposure to High School Technology Education

13. Question 3: Recruiting More Women • Recruit and Educate School Counselors • Include Career and Technology Education in “No Child Left Behind” Legislation • Diversify the Profession • Ally ITEA with other Teaching Organizations

14. Repeat! Repeat! Repeat! Repeat! Repeat! Recruit and Educate School Counselors

15. “You Get What You Celebrate” ~ Dean Kamen

16. "Yeah... but how about in my classes?"

17. Keys to Gender Equity Attitude Language Reframing Learning Experience Choices

18. 1. Fun 2. Welcoming 3. Supportive 4. Open to Student Input Attitude

19. Language 1. Inclusive 2. Explicit 3. Supportive 4. Open to Student Input

20. Reframing

21. 1. Non-Destructive Testing 2. Evaluation Seeks Understanding 3. Student Self Assessment 4. Female Input for Curriculum 5. Recruit Professional Women Role Models/Mentors Reframing

22. Learning Experiences

23. Learning Experiences 1. Choices

24. Learning Experiences 2. Encourage Creativity

25. Learning Experiences 3. Digital Imaging

26. Learning Experiences 4. Relate to Interests

27. Learning Experiences 5. Open to Student Input

28. Learning Experiences 1. Choices 2. Encourage Creativity 3. Digital Imaging 4. Relate to Interests 5. Open to Student Input

29. Keys to Gender Equity Attitude Language Reframing Learning Experience Choices

30. Myths Myth #1: Women are emotional while tech is strictly logical. As a result, they don’t go together. Myth #2: Men are good at math and machines while women have no clue about these. Myth #3: Men are the providers while women are nurturers. Myth #4: Technical women are unattractive, arrogant, and abnormal. Myth #5: Women can’t do it because they are made that way: the divine or the evolution argument. Myth #6: Women aren’t as good at visualizing as men, and hence, don’t make good engineers. ~ Deepa Kandaswamy Talibanism in TechnologySeven reasons why women in technology remain invisible...Wednesday, February 26, 2003 http://dqindia.ciol.com/content/special/103022602.asp

31. Reality Reality #1: Women are able do whatever job they want. Reality #2: Women are able to work in technology, math, and science at the highest levels. Reality #3: Women and men can provide and nurture. Reality #4: Women in technical fields are like any others: attractive, intelligent, and able. Reality#5: Women can do “Tech” because they are made that way. Reality #6: Women see things from their perspectives and we need that insight.

32. Thanks to: All my Students, Colleagues, and my study’s Participants Mr. Roy Slater Dr. Karen Zuga Dr. Kenneth Welty Dr. W. J. Haney, III Dr. Joseph Berger Dr. Kathryn McDermott And especially Ms. Fran Ploof, RN

34. "Ancora Imparo" “I am still learning.” ~ Michelangelo at 87 years of age

35. Thank You! Contact: ray.mccarthy@bhrsd.org

36. And now SPECIFICS... • Design Briefs • Major Projects • Reflection Rubrics

37. Levels of Learning Level 1 ~ Fear Level 2 ~ Reward Level 3 ~ To please others Level 4 ~ Follow the Rules Level 5 ~ I am considerate of others Level 6 ~ Altruistism: A personal Code of Behavior ~ Rafe Esquith