The good news: today’s schoolgirls find STEM anything but boring. 70 percent of those surveyed have a personal interest in topics from the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. This was the result of a survey by the IU International University. The bad news, however, is that many young women still have concerns when it comes to STEM studies or STEM training. More than 40 percent each feel overwhelmed by these topics or find the MINT area too difficult.
Missing role models, lack of prior knowledge
The study “MINT education. What young women think about it” was recently published by the International University (IU) in Erfurt. “Women are less likely than men to opt for MINT subjects or training,” says Alexandra Wuttig, Chancellor of the IU. In order to tackle this, you have to start early in school, “e.g. through gender-sensitive teaching that appeals to girls and boys equally”.
In addition, however, society urgently needs more female role models from MINT professional fields, says Wuttig: “Because role models in the direct living environment, such as teachers and family members, but also from the economy, have a great influence on later study and career choices.”
According to the study, these are exactly what is missing. Few of those surveyed have girlfriends or female relatives who work in STEM professions. Over a third don’t know anyone who has anything to do with MINT professionally. At school, both the STEM subjects and those who teach the subjects are more likely to cause boredom. Almost half of the students surveyed said so. A little more than a third find the content too complicated.
Many of those surveyed state that they lack the prior knowledge and skills for specific MINT subjects and therefore do not feel equipped for a corresponding degree or training. Only in biology do the students have a better feeling.
Almost a quarter (24.3 percent) of the schoolgirls stated that a MINT degree would be too expensive overall because they could not pursue a part-time job due to the heavy workload. The opinion of those around you plays a comparatively minor role. Only 16.1 percent worry about what their friends might think. 8.4 percent fear that their parents would not agree with the choice of study.
Important: Orientation offers
When it comes to sources of information on MINT professions and MINT training, the winners are internships and summer jobs, which give a good insight into possible future career or study choices. The schoolgirls surveyed also find talks with friends, family or mentors (62.3 percent) to be particularly helpful for their own orientation. Digital information channels – especially social media such as Instagram, Facebook and Co. – and company websites are also popular.
The authors of the study recommend expanding the range of orientation offers for career and study choices in schools. “Events such as job fairs, Girls’ Day or theme days came third with 45 percent of the information channels,” says the summary of the results.
Source: Nachrichten
