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Women in Science

Why?


I think girls and women tend to not consider a science career possible is because of the misconceptions we all share about scientists. We automatically think white, male, a little odd, and usually older. Science does not seem accessible or applicable to women. Science is very factual, and involves little emotional connections. Women are emotional and social creatures. I think by stressing how emotionally involved scientists get with their work is important. Also, stressing all of the elements of the nature of science. Learning about the nature of science in this class has definitely changed how I view science. If students were taught this from a young age, I think teachers could do a lot to change the stigma surrounding science and men. Step by step instructions are boring for everyone, but you can show all students that science is different. It involves creativity, curiosity, social interaction, and problem solving skills.

What can we do?


I liked the article about the study where students were encouraged to write. I think reflection is a huge part of learning, and students can find how it applies to their lives. We can encourage students to work together during science instruction, so it is seen as social and not isolating. We need to build students, especially female, confidence in their science abilities. Social stereotypes can be very discouraging to students. Building off of that, women need to feel like they are participating in activities that scientists might actually do. Otherwise I think it can be seen as "dumbed down" school science. I do not think having a male or female teacher makes any difference. I had mostly male science teachers, but I found their classes interesting and engaging. It did not make me feel like only men could be good in science. I think as teachers we can help to break down gender barriers in our classroom, and provide girls with examples of female scientists so they do not feel like they have to hide their interest or pretend to be dumb.

Class Reflection

So far, this classed has been completely different than what I expected. In most classes, you look at a powerpoint and listen to the professor lecture. At some point in the semester, every student has to come up with a certain amount of activities related to the subject, and then copies are made for everyone in the class for future use. That's fine, but I like that this class is different. Adapting and thinking on your feet are a very real part of teaching, so by watching a professor who practices that in class, it helps me feel better that class doesn't need to be perfect and smooth all the time.
Teaching the nature of science is a topic I had not been introduced to before, and the concept is still one I am wrestling with. Professor Kruse giving us an example of what a lesson might look like is helpful, because I was struggling to think of how a lesson would work. Re-training my thinking will be a process because I automatically refer back to how I learned. Instead, I need to refer to how students should learn. I also like that we are not expected to automatically accept or agree with what we are taught. The class is encouraged to ask questions and wrestle with new ideas.
 It is  frustrating not having due dates, but I can understand the reasoning behind it. I like to have information right in front of me so I can plan for it, but I do understand that is not the way teaching works. I am still also adjusting to the way the class is run. This class works differently from any other class I have taken, but with time I am getting used to it. While it is a struggle, it is also a good thing because new experiences are learning experiences.
I think this class relates to my future teaching because Professor Kruse works hard to model in class strategies we should be using as teachers. It can be easy to overlook the obvious, but now I make sure to pay attention to the reasoning behind actions. Also, even though I don't enjoy it all of the time, learning to use new kinds of technology is important. If we as teachers don't stay current on technology, it would be easy to fall behind our students. Technology can be a great tool in the classroom, if it is used correctly and safely.

The Nature of Science

Teaching the nature of science is very different from the way I was taught. Science should not be following a set list of directions, and using the scientific method for everything. We talked in class that science is based on what we can understand. Since everyone has different background knowledge this can be a great way for students to share experiences, and create their own meaning. The list we wrote down of terms from the nature of science I think are very relevant and could be easily integrated into the classroom. Maybe not all in elementary school, but my high school science teachers could learn a thing or two from Professor Kruse. I think you can simplify the items so that most of them will work in an elementary classroom, such as imagination/creativity, social interaction of scientists, and observations. Diversity is stressed as being an important component in the classroom, so you could bring in cultural and societal impacts with upper elementary students. Discuss what your students specific cultures believe and how that affects science. Another topic to bring up could be that scientists also work with scientists from other countries as well as other scientists in the United States. I think teaching the nature of science makes the whole subject much more relevant and easier to apply. Science shouldn't be big and scary and all about memorizing facts. Professor Kruse has shown there is a better way to present material where students increase learning.

How Science Works

      I really got a lot from the continuum of learning that was written on the board. Having that visual representation really made it clear to me how I can best help my future students learn. Science is not made a priority in elementary school,and I feel there should be a bigger emphasis made so science does become so intimidating to students. By the time you reach middle school it becomes memorization of facts, and there is so much more to science than that. As elementary teachers, we can spark our students curiosity and encourage them to ask questions and make discoveries.
      Something else that stood out to me in class was discussing the difference between science and technology. I see the distinction but I had just never explicitly thought about it. It will be very easy to remember it by thinking science is the knowledge and technology is the application. With the growing use of technology in elementary schools, this will be an important distinction to make with students as well.
    I like that this class is redefining "science" for me, and I think it will make me a better teacher for my students. We all have preconceived notions, and for me science is intimidating and difficult. Professor Kruse has really simplified that, and made teaching science seem manageable. This class is going to be a good growing/learning experience.

3 responses.

I was not able to find a way to post a comment on other posts so I will respond in this blog.

I agree with what Andrea said. So many times in classes we will write goals or a philosophy of teaching and never take it to that next step. Students write up what the teacher wants to hear or what they read in a book. I really like that we are actually going to use these goals throughout the semester. In other classes, I had never thought of coming up with student actions for each goal. That is taking goals to a higher level, and can lead to valuable self reflection, I think.

In response to Alisa's blog:
I also like that the goals are so broad, this isn't what we are expected to teach our students in 9 months, but over their entire education. As a teacher, every year we should contribute something and pass on something to our students that gets them closer to meeting these goals. The success of our students does depend largely on the teacher, and I want to make sure I give my students the proper tools and instruction to succeed. If a student is struggling, it is my job to adjust my teaching so they can be successful. I agree that demonstrating learning is a tough one, that could have so many actions and is so broad it can be hard to narrow down.

In response to Colleen's blog:

I also agree that as teacher's we can get caught up in the content and the curriculum, but it is important that we have goals for our students. I think this can be a collaborative process with your students as well, so they can be in charge of their own learning and what they want to get out of it. It can be hard to think big picture, instead of the daily lesson plans and objectives we write. I think teachers forget that it is important students gain skills to be successful in life not just in their classroom.

EDUC 125 test

This is my first attempt at blogging.