[EDEQUITY Dialogue] Opening Statement by Linda S. Samuels

From: edeqmod@edc.org
Date: Mon Nov 13 2000 - 14:19:57 EST


    The underrepresentation of girls in science and science-related fields
has been seen primarily as a "girl problem" (Campbell, 1993, p. 3). That is

to say, educational systems have blamed women for the difficulties they
have
had with science. Experts have even gone so far as to speculate that women
are genetically encoded for scientific incompetence! Because we have
defined
the problem this way, most of our solutions have been designed to make
girls
"more compatible" with science (Campbell, 1993) and have largely ignored
the
many environmental factors that affect the way women view themselves and
even
the way their personalities develop. Before we can do anything, we must
realize that young women face many obstacles, both inside and outside the
classroom, that may discourage them from excelling in science: These
include
stereotyping, low self-esteem, and poor preparation.
    Generally speaking, to overcome these barriers we must combat gender
stereotypes and stereotypes about science; build young women's self-esteem
to
defeat "science phobia;" and continue to work for curriculum reform. My
philosophy of science education accomplishes the first two of these goals
and
effectively teaches science to both boys and girls. Science is a discipline

of ideas, not just facts. Therefore, courses should be designed to
encourage
independent thinking, problem solving, and scientific inquiry. In addition,

teachers must strive to make science more "girl-friendly" by emphasizing
collaboration over competition; valuing teamwork; and incorporating
presentations, essay exams, and written reports into the science
curriculum.
Note that these changes not only build on the communication and
interpersonal
skills for which girls have traditionally been known but also more fully
prepare students for college science courses.
    Perhaps the following quote from a former student best expresses how
this
philosophy works:

    Mrs. Samuels somehow manages to raise self-esteem, inspire students and

eliminate
    fear, and provide a relaxed, happy environment without sacrificing
rigor
and very
    high standards. . . . I remember wanting to study hard because I was
inspired and
    happy in the course, not because I was afraid.

If parents and teachers consistently implement these suggestions, students
will recognize that science can be fun and doesn't have to be intimidating.

The principles discussed here help eradicate students' fear of science and
help prove to young women, and young men, that they can do science.
    For the best results, we need the cooperation of students, parents,
school systems, communities, and teachers. Students must be willing to put
in
the time and effort necessary to succeed. Parents must provide positive
reinforcement and express a belief in the students' ability to understand
complicated ideas. The school system and community must work to provide a
gender-neutral curriculum. Last, the teacher must strive to adapt his or
her
teaching style to the needs of the students.

Sincerely,
Linda S. Samuels
Girls Can
Succeed in Science!



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