Education Commons^™

Girls’ Primary And Secondary Education In Malawi: Sector Review: Final Report, Sally Robertson, Elizabeth Cassity, Esthery Kunkwenzu

Monitoring Learning

Enhancing girls’ access to high-quality education is a global priority that is articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is also a national priority in Malawi. The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) was contracted by UNICEF, to conduct an education sector review of girls’ primary and secondary education in Malawi. The review aimed to: outline the current context and challenges relating to girls’ education in Malawi; identify the key factors contributing to gender inequalities in educational access and outcomes; provide an overview of the policies and strategies currently in place to enhance girls’ education; provide recommendations to help …

A Framework For Problem-Based Learning: Teaching Mathematics With A Relational Problem-Based Pedagogy, Carmel Schettino

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

One recommendation for encouraging young women and other underrepresented students in their mathematical studies is to find instructional methods, such as problem-based learning (PBL), that allow them to feel included in the learning process. Using a more relationally centered pedagogy along with more inclusive instructional methods may be a way to foster an interest in studying mathematics in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, many mathematics teachers are at a loss in not only how to instruct with PBL methods but also how to create the environment that encourages optimal learning.

Umaine Women In Academia Makes Presence On Campus With Upcoming Presentation, Josh Fabel

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

This Monday, Dec. 7, the group University of Maine Women in Academia will be hosting a presentation highlighting “Gender and Intersectionality in Higher Education.”

Governor's Remarks Evoke Concerns Of Sexism, Brooke Bailey

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Governor Paul LePage has been known as a politician who ‘tells it how it is.’ He’s based his campaigns on throwing political correctness out of the window and catering to the voters who agree that our country has gone too soft. But being less politically correct does not give you the right to be sexist. At a town hall meeting on Wednesday, LePage was asked a question about a citizen initiative to increase clean elections by limiting public financing in the state of Maine. LePage’s response was, "That's like giving my wife my checkbook. I’m telling you, it’s giving your …

Recommendations For Teachers And Researchers: Supporting Female Learners Of Secondary Mathematics: A Review Of Literature, Lauren Ashley Watts

Masters Theses

This literature review is intended to collect recommendations for practices in secondary education that promote gender equity in math and science. A brief overview of the history of gender and gender equity in mathematics, science and related fields will be provided, along with an examination of current aspects of gender equity in science and math that remain to be addressed. Recommendations for practices of secondary mathematics teachers that promote gender equity will be given with reference to practice theory and situated learning.

Investigating Teachers' Understandings Of Gender Equity And Achievement In Postfeminist Times, Katee Joy Van Campen

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Drawing from feminist post-structuralism and critical social theories, this thesis examines the significance of postfeminist and neo-liberal influences on teachers’ perspectives about gender equity and girls’ success within the context of Ontario’s high-stakes standardized testing policies and their pedagogical experiences in the classroom. The significance of this inquiry is in its capacity to contribute to further theorizing about how teachers are negotiating the changing meaning of gender equity through a neo-liberal and postfeminist lens. It also adds to the growing body of research that investigates the significance of socio-economic background with regards to girls’ achievement and participation in school and …

The New Stem Faculty Profile: Balancing Family And Dual Careers, Patricia Wonch Hill, Mary Anne Holmes, Julia Mcquillan

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Faculty Publications

Purpose — This chapter contrasts “ideal worker” with “real worker” characteristics among STEM faculty in gendered organizations. The gap between the two reveals the need for academic institutions to revise the notion of and the policies for typical faculty members.

Design — All STEM faculty at a Midwestern research intensive university were asked to participate in a mail and web-based survey to study faculty experiences within departments. The response rate was 70%. Faculty were then categorized by their employment, education, and parent status, and by the work status of their spouse/partner, to assess how closely the faculty matched the ideal …

Closing The Gender Gap: Increasing Confidence For Teaching Mathematics, Gavrielle Levine

NERA Conference Proceedings 2013

National emphasis on STEM education highlights the need to reduce mathematics anxiety and increase confidence for teaching mathematics among elementary level teachers. Most elementary school teachers are female, and are responsible for introducing foundational mathematics concepts and attitudes to developing minds. Female teachers’ higher levels of mathematics anxiety (when compared with male teachers) have detrimental effects on student learning. In this study, pre-service elementary teachers enrolled in mathematics education courses increased their confidence for teaching mathematics and reduced their mathematics anxiety. At the beginning of the course, males were more confident than were females. At the conclusion of the course, …

Staff Engagement And Diversity Climate Survey Report, Fall 2012, Western Washington University. Equal Opportunity Office

Office of Institutional Effectiveness

BACKGROUND In order to continue to improve Western’s campus climate and employee engagement and to enhance the University’s commitment to diversity, President Shepard facilitated the distribution of a Staff Engagement and Diversity Climate Survey (Staff Survey) on October 31, 2012. Western had conducted similar studies for faculty and students, and it was critical that the views and opinions of classified and professional staff also be collected in order to identify areas in need of improvement, work on those areas, and ascertain progress. The Human Resources Office developed a 49 item survey instrument addressing issues of staff engagement. The Equal Opportunity …

Preservice, Secondary Social Studies Teachers' Perceptions Of Gender Equity, Margaret M. Monaghan

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study examines preservice, social studies teachers’ perceptions of gender equity. The assumption that preservice teachers recognize gender as an important issue and are willing and able to take the initiative to remedy inequities in their classroom structures and content is considered. Six participants were interviewed using Seidman’s (2006) three-round, interview protocol. A focused life history was compiled to situate participants’ perceptions within their personal and professional experiences. Findings suggest a disconnect between preservice teachers' intentions and their practice in regards to gender equity. More explicit attention to gender equity in teacher education programs is recommended.

A Case Study Of Student Leadership And Service In A Catholic Female Single-Sex High School, Jill Patricia Bickett

LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to research student perspectives about, and participation in, leadership and service at Catholic female single-sex high schools. This study draws data from a Catholic female single-sex high school in a metropolitan area of the United States. Data collection included school document review, site observation, and interviews of current students (n=10), young alumnae (n=5), mature alumnae (n=5), and current faculty and staff (n=6). The data was analyzed using an adapted theoretical framework of Wenger's (1998) social theory of learning, informed by Lave and Wenger's (1991) concept of communities of practice. This study addresses how the …

Perceiving Subtle Sexism: Mapping The Social-Psychological Forces And Legal Narratives That Obscure Gender Bias, Deborah L. Brake

Articles

This essay seeks to explain the Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education case as an interpretation of discrimination that notably and correctly focuses on how institutions cause sex-based harm, rather than on whether officials within chosen institutions act with a discriminatory intent. In the process, I discuss what appears to be the implicit theory of discrimination underlying the Davis decision: that schools cause the discrimination by exacerbating the harm that results from sexual harassment by students. I then explore the significance of the deliberate indifference requirement in this context, concluding that the standard, for all its flaws, is distinct …

Science Self-Efficacy In Tenth Grade Hispanic Female High School Students, Maria Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historical data have demonstrated an underrepresentation of females and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions. The purpose of the study considered the variables of gender and ethnicity collectively in relationship to tenth grade Hispanic females' perception of their self-efficacy in science. The correlation of science self-efficacy to science academic achievement was also studied. Possible interventions for use with female Hispanic minority populations might help increase participation in STEM field preparation during the high school career. A population of 272 students was chosen through convenience sampling methods, including 80 Hispanic females. Students were administered a 27-item questionnaire taken …

University Of Maine Diversity Action Plan 2003-2005, University Of Maine President's Office

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

This Plan is divided into four parts: diversity within the context of the University's Strategi Plan, assessment of progress toward goals in the 1999 Diversity Action Plan, the process of developing the 2003-2005 Diversity Action Plan, and the 2003-2005 diversity goals, action steps, and financial commitments.

Once Upon A Time: Teaching About The World's Women Through Literature, Cynthia A. Tyson, Kaavonia Hinton-Johnson

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Literature about women such as African American voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer or political activist Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar provides prime materials for teaching about women's success in fighting social ills.

An Examination Of Gender Differences In Today's Mathematics Classrooms: Exploring Single-Gender Mathematics Classrooms, Celeste E. Dunlap

Master of Education Research Theses

Much research identifies a gender gap in mathematics, and some research points to single-gender math classrooms as a solution to the math gender divide. The author conducted a seven week study in which she divided fifty fifth grade students into singlegender mathematics classes. She wanted to examine if single-gender math classes affected the math achievement and attitudes of her female students. Upon completion of the study the author found there was no statistical significance in the girls’ achievement between a single-gender classroom and a coeducational classroom. There was a significant difference in the girls’ perceptions as to how they best …

Boys Literacy Research Featured In New Book Challenges Traditional Teaching, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

As national debate continues over the adequacy and fairness of educational programs and policies affecting girls and boys, there is no question that the widest current gender gap for learning achievement recorded by standardized measures is in the area of literacy. A growing research base has established that while the shortfall in girls' science and math achievement is improving across all socioeconomic classes, boys' scores on reading and literacy are far below those of girls and continue to slide. Further, many popular media accounts characterize boys as being in trouble, both in school and in other areas of their emotional …

School Liability For Peer Sexual Harassment After Davis: Shifting From Intent To Causation In Discrimination Law, Deborah L. Brake

Articles

This essay seeks to explain the Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education case as an interpretation of discrimination that notably and correctly focuses on how institutions cause sex-based harm, rather than on whether officials within chose institutions act with a discriminatory intent. In the process, I discuss what appears to be the implicit theory of discrimination underlying the Davis decision: that schools cause the discrimination by exacerbating the harm that results from sexual harassment by students. I then explore the significance of the deliberate indifference requirement in this context, concluding that the standard, for all its flaws, is distinct …

The Cruelest Of The Gender Police: Student-To-Student Sexual Harassment And Anti-Gay Peer Harassment Under Title Ix, Deborah L. Brake

Articles

Title IX, like other sex discrimination laws, addresses discrimination that occurs because of an individual’s sex. Courts interpreting Title IX, like those interpreting Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, have struggled to demarcate a line separating discrimination because of sex from discrimination because of sexual orientation. This article constructs an argument for viewing anti-gay discrimination, and in particular anti-gay harassment between students, as a form of sex discrimination under Title IX. The article first explores why school inaction in the face of sexual harassment discriminates on the basis of sex. Although sex discrimination law generally has long …

Hate Crimes Aren't 'Isolated' Incidents, Peg Cruikshank

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The recent statement by university administration officials that the anti-gay hate crimes on this campus are isolated incidents reveals more concern for public relations than for the safety of gay, lesbian and bisexual students.

Recent Campus Crimes A Call To Caution, Kristen Dobler

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

In light of recent incidents, the university community must look out for itself more and become aware of the risks on campus. Since the beginning of the semester, a gay-rights proponent has been threatened in his room by an intruder, a baseball player has been accused by police of committing assault in dorm, and several women on East/West Campus have had their rooms entered into the middle of the night by strangers.

Homophobic Attack Prompts Third Civil Rights Suit, Kathryn Ritchie

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Maine Attorney General's office announced yesterday that it has filed another civil rights lawsuit against a University of Maine student. Kirk R. Daigle, 26, has been accused of threatening a fellow student based on his minority status.

Restraining Order Settles Belanger Case, Kathryn Ritchie

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Attorney General's Office reached an agreement late last week with Casey Belanger, the University of Maine student accused of sending threatening e-mail to several folders on the FirstClass computer system. Both Belangers and the judge have signed a "consent judgement," permanently restraining him from harassing anyone of the minority status, according to Assistant Attorney General Stephen Wessler.

Hiv Patient Faces Disease With Hope, Courage, Jason Cunningham

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

After becoming infected with HIV a few years ago, Nancy, who prefers not to use her last name, could have given up all hpe and become overwhelmed with self-pity. But she decided to press forward and take advantage of the opportunities life had to offer.

Gender Patterns In Science Course Enrollment And Course Drop Patterns In An Iowa Senior High School, Sandra L. Stephen, Elizabeth D. Riesz

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

In order to ascertain whether local patterns corresponded to the national trends, which show fewer female and minority students enrolling in and completing high school physical science courses, the Cedar Rapids Community School District studied the course enrollment and drop patterns of seniors in one of the District high schools. Male students predominated in physics and AP Chemistry, and the proportion of males in AP Physics was significantly greater than the proportion of females. The proportion of females in chemistry was significantly greater than their proportion in the senior class. Course dropping patterns revealed a statistically significant relationship between gender …

Study Of Feminist Activism, Maine Perspective

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Rank-and-file feminist activists are more likely than non-activists to be highly educated, to live outside the South and to trust in others, according to a national study comparing feminist activists and non-activists.

College Of Applied Sciences And Agriculture Addresses The Need For More Women In Science Careers, Maine Perspective

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Four years ago, the College of Applied Sciences and Agriculture published a booklet on careers for women in the applied sciences. It came out shortly after the reorganization of the College in recognition of the low number of young women pursuing careers in math and science, and in acknowledgment of a vision for the future - a vision that included more women in the applied sciences.

Student Urges Comments On Women's Hockey Team, Joan M. King

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Now that men's varsity hockey at the University of Maine is number one in the country…I am wondering why there is no women's ice hockey team at UMaine.

Women's Center Work-Study Cut, Josephine Swan

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Student Senate cut the Women's Center $200 of work-study funds in Tuesday night's Senate meeting. Donnie Oakes, vice-president of the student government said, "There is some movement suggesting that no clubs receive work-study funding. The argument is that is not a practice to get into. The people against it feel that if a club has voluntary membership, they should do the duties and not a work-study student."

Nude Exhibit Beautiful, Sensitive, Elizabeth Cherneski Howard

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

After reading the Campus for four years, something has finally irked me enough to make a response. For a supposedly intellectual community such as our student body, the amount of close-minded, un-liberal opinions that keep surfacing is appalling.