do you think stem- - communication 1- public speaking (nasa)
TRANSCRIPT
Do You Think STEM?
By: Derek J. RussellDate: 12/9/2016
The Problem
The Achievement Gap Begins In The Womb
I. Black males have the mental capacity (cognitive ability), there is no deficit-the issue is “soft skills”.
II. Black males are profoundly affected by their teachers’ perceptions of them.
III. Black men are put in special education at disproportionately high rates and are not put in gifted program as often.
IV. Males are behind females in science and reading.V. Males are 60% of all STEM majors, females are 40%, but more
women get degrees than males.
Engineering - Related Degree Attainment
The Cause
55%
Causes of African American Males in STEM1. Lack of STEM at K-12.2. Lack of STEM role models/mentors K-graduate school.3. Peer pressure that leads away from high academic achievement and
persistence to succeed.4. Lack of strong mathematics skills; mathematics phobia.5. Inability of students to delay gratification. 6. Students’ repeating courses that result in a longer time to graduation. 7. Students’ belief in stereotypes of what science is, what kinds of people are
scientists, and what scientists do.8. Low expectations from teachers all along the education pipeline. 9. Failure of students to see the relevance/application of science to their lives.
10. Inadequate access to higher education because of financial needs.
What’s the SOLUTION for African Americans succeeding in STEM?
Professional Beneficial Advice for Professors!Other key points by Dr. Marks:
1. Know your students and try to pull out their best efforts. 2. Lack of STEM exposure hurts students under-preparedness is the issue, not
ability, particularly in mathematics.3. Engage students and introduce them to science when they are young. 4. Many people want or need academic success to correlate directly with
financial success. 5. Students need advisors, not just academic advisors.6. Make information relevant and engaging. 7. Get to know your students- be aware of how they behave, know what they
like, and use it to engage them.
Highly Recommendations for Instructors!
1. Having an engaging teaching style.2. Make learning interesting and relevant to student
interests and experiences.3. Inspire them to work hard.4. Respect them.5. Are strict and caring.
