Gender Differences in Math and Science Academic Self-Concepts and the Association With Female Climate in 8th Grade Classrooms

Abstract

Although women’s representation in STEM fields and occupations has increased, science and math continue to be stereotyped as male domains. This paper links psychological and sociological explanations for gendered disparities in STEM by examining the relationship between the local “micro-situational” female learning environment and the gender gap in academic self-concept in math and science. We applied hybrid models to TIMSS 2015 data comprised of a pseudo-panel of repeated measures for individual student and peer achievement, academic self-concept, utility value, and interest-enjoyment value in math/science (at age 14). We analyzed data from three countries, including a subsample of students who were taught by the same teacher in both math and science, thus eliminating unobserved teacher heterogeneity. Results indicate that female peer climate in the classroom is important for understanding how girls’ self-concept in math/science is formed, even though it was unrelated to the gender gap.

A systematic review of the factors affecting girls' participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects

“…[ 1,8,29] Teachers bias • Discourage teachers' gender bias and improve on the cultural capital. [146] Teachers competence • Provide teachers with professional development to transform their STEM practices.…”

“…For example, policy was a key factor influencing the opportunities and challenges for girls and women in STEM fields. The policy can be improved by designing curricula and program implementations that are gender-responsive, equitable, and engaging [8,29,77,101,108], formulating education policies that are inclusive and supportive of STEM participation [55,152], and providing exposure to the STEM workforce and role models [7,56]. However, the policy may also negatively affect girls' behavior in STEM fields, depending on the implementation and evaluation of policy initiatives.…”