Encouraging Girls in Math and Science This Practice Guide was developed by an expert panel convened by the Institute of Education Sciences. It offers five recommendations to encourage girls in math and science. A summary of the research evidence and a level-of-evidence rating are provided for each recommendation. This Practice Guide is the foundation for all the Doing What Works content on encouraging girls in math and science.
Multimedia Overview Encouraging Girls in Math and Science
Women are less involved in career paths and post-secondary education in some areas of math and science than men. This pattern starts at school. Use this short overview to learn about the strategies for encouraging girls in math and science at school. The overview presents five research-based instructional and feedback strategies for teachers at all grade levels. (6:46 min)Explore these recommended practices:
- <<Ability Is Expandable
Teach students that the brain grows when they practice and learn new material. - <<Prescriptive Feedback
Provide prescriptive, informational feedback on strategies and effort. - <<Female Role Models
Show students female role models to counter gender stereotypes. - <<Sparking Curiosity
Spark initial curiosity and foster long-term interest in math and science. - <<Teaching Spatial Skills
Teach students spatial skills such as how to visualize and manipulate forms and shapes.
Visual Diagram Encouraging Girls in Math and Science
This graphical illustration is a reminder of the five interrelated research-based practices embodied in media and materials on this website. These practices aim to increase academic self-esteem, interest, and achievement in math and science. Gathered around a supportive and encouraging teacher, the girls in this diagram show high confidence that they can succeed in math and science as students and as professionals.Expert Interview
Encouraging Girls in Math and Science (Part 1)
Diane F. Halpern, Ph.D.Claremont McKenna College
This interview features Dr. Diane Halpern, chair of the expert panel that produced the Practice Guide. In Part 1 of the interview, Dr. Halpern describes the research evidence and reasoning for the five practices that are described in the Practice Guide. (11:31 min)
Expert Interview
Encouraging Girls in Math and Science (Part 2)
Diane F. Halpern, Ph.D.Claremont McKenna College
This interview features Dr. Diane Halpern, chair of the expert panel that produced the Practice Guide. In Part 2 of the interview, Dr. Halpern discusses implementation ideas and roles that school staff, district administrators, and parents can play to encourage girls in math and science. (4:11 min)