Retaining Tomorrows Scientists :: Education Learning Gender Essays

Retaining Tomorrows ScientistsI chose to summarize the article Retaining Tomorrows Scientists. This article described a consume through on differences between men and women enrolled in scientific curriculums in college. It looked at how individual characteristics, experiences, and goals affected a persons success rate in graduating. It also explained wherefore women are not as successful as men in completing their science education.For starters, the study showed that women dont seem to be as interested in math and science courses in school. Studies show that boys and girls show equal capabilities in these courses while in elementary school. Girls, however, dont show much interest in them. Therefore, they wage less of these courses in junior and senior high school. This in turn leads to lower rates of women pickings these classes at a college level. Because they dont have the basic association of these subjects, they are reluctant to major in scientific areas.Confidence also plays a major part in women choosing a major. By not taking these classes in high school, women feel that they arent smart enough to select a scientific major. It was shown in this study that math self-confidence is the most influential soothsayer of womens SAT scores, as well as of their decision to pursue math and science fields in college(Sax, 46).Another reason that women are reluctant is the questionable glass ceiling. It has long been known that women earn less than men, and arent promoted as quickly. This is true in the laboratory as well as the office.Lastly, women are often hale to choose between the workplace and the home. Most scientific jobs demand long days and a lot of travel. Women realize this, and it interferes with their desire to have children and a home. though men are also affected, it seems to be easier for men to make that choice.As with any scientific study, there are uncontrollable variables. The variables involved in this study were separated into blocks. Ind ividual characteristics were classified as race, citizenship, parents education, family income, religion, SAT scores, high school academic information, high school activities, reasons for coming to college, degree aspirations, life goals, views, personality types, and expectations or so college( Sax, 49). The second set of characteristics dealt with students intended majors. Since everyones college experience is so different, scientists had to figure in environmental variables, also. These variables were also classified into blocks. The first dealt with financial aid and living arrangements.