How To Encourage Girls To Love Maths
“Scientists and mathematicians are socially awkward men with geeky glasses.” Fact or myth? One out of two female students would say that being a science geek is a guy thing.
When it comes to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), there is a clear gender rift. Research says that women account for only 13% of the workforce in engineering and 25% in maths and computer roles. Another research studying the aptitudes of 15-16 years old students towards STEM concluded that 60% of boys chose a STEM subject as their favourite, while only 33% girls did so. The statistics also revealed that girls are half as likely to choose STEM as boys.
The problem doesn’t lie in the ability of the girls, it lies in the mindset. And, as educators, parents, and role models, it is our responsibility to motivate girls to choose STEM subjects.
Before we discuss tips to encourage girls in getting into STEM, let’s talk about why there is such a lack of female representations in such fields. Answering this why will ultimately help to tackle the problem and encourage girls into STEM.
Why Don’t Girls Go into STEM?
To answer this in one line: Gender stereotypes and lack of motivation is the reason why girls are not opting STEM subjects. Many young girls have negative stereotypes about STEM careers. Many think that STEM is for nerdy boys. This is far from the truth. To encourage girls to go for science and maths careers, we must break this stereotype. We must motivate them to come towards this career.
How to Encourage Girls For STEM?
(i) Start when they are young
Have you ever seen parents encourage their daughters to play with dolls while the sons played with cars? We all have. So, the problem is deep-rooted into how we raise our daughters. What is the first toy that parents buy for a girl? What is the first toy that parents buy for a boy? Instead of traditional games, why not encourage girls (and boys) to play with puzzles that challenge them. Instead of just playing with barbies, encourage them to explore other toys as well. Where is the sound coming from? Why does the doll need batteries to cry? How is the barbie doll made? By inculcating such pressing curiosity early on, you will notice their natural interest in Science, Maths, Engineering, and Technology.
(ii) Tell stories
If you didn’t start encouraging the girls when they were young, it is time to do it now. Tell them encouraging stories about women who have made it big in science. Tell them about Marie Curie. Let them explore the role models in today’s society who are fighting these stereotypes. Here is a list of 13 women in STEM who changed the world to get you started. You can also have them watch videos, interviews, and movies about inspirational women in science and maths.
(iii) Get them out of their comfort zones
Instead of teaching your children to build their comfort zones around them, teach them to get out of them. Teach them to work hard. Teach them to be curious. Teach them to explore. Children, especially girls, will never be curious unless you teach them to be.
(iv) Adopt a growth mindset
Another great tip to get girls into STEM is to make them adopt a growth mindset. They must know that skills and beliefs are subject to change according to the circumstances. For example, tell them that excellence in Maths is not based on gender. Instead, it depends on practice. This will encourage them to work hard and make an effort towards learning.
Wrapping Up…
Science and Maths are not gender-specific fields. A girl has an equal chance to excel in STEM subjects and have a successful career as a boy. By breaking stereotypes, you can break records too. Let’s inspire girls to come into STEM and see how they will make a new world. By encouraging girls to learn more about Maths and Science, you can change their attitude, and ultimately the world.