"They [females] are featured as less likely to be involved in the identification, setting and solving of problems, less skilful and competitive, less likely to teach maths skills to others, and to display less initiative and inventiveness."
(Northam, 1986, p. 115)
(Northam, 1986, p. 115)
Reference: Northam, J. (1986). Chapter 8: Girls and Boys in Primary Maths Books. In Leone
Burton (Ed.), Girls into Maths Can Go (pp. 110 – 121). Great Britain: Holt,
Rinehart and Winston.
In the field of education, there has been discussions that teaching others may improve ones understanding of the concepts they are teaching and remember it over longer periods of time. If females, are not as likely as males to teach others math skills, as this quote indicates, what disadvantages may girls compare to boys face in learning mathematics?
4 comments:
If girls are only exposed to male mathematicians, they may believe that the field of mathematics is primarily for males. If girls have female mathematitian role models it may encourage them to partipate in the field and see that there is a place for them too.
Not all the blame should be put on males for our [females] avoidance of careers in mathematics. It was a FEMALE guidance counsellor who told me that I "didn't want to go to Waterloo; it's a math school". She said this blantantly without any knowledge of my interests or academic record (I actually performed well in mathematics). Although I was not interested in pursuing studies in mathematics, I was offended by this comment...and attended (and am currently graduating from)the University of Waterloo in spite of this. However,I suppose sometimes when told we can't do something, we strive to prove we can...
Maya,
Thank you for posting your thoughts. I strongly agree with you. Modeling is very important, and I think learning about female mathematicians may serve as role models for female students.
Jessica,
I agree. However, I don't think anyone is to blame. Rather, I think that this is an area where awareness of the lack of female role models is the issue. It is unfortunate that you had to have that experience, and I am sure you are not the only one...
I admire your persistance to prove you CAN do mathematics in order to attend your degree.
-Melissa
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