MA461 Fall 2000 Discussion Topic #2
Topic: Gender Issues in the Classroom
Leaders: Dawn Brandau and Angie Helland
Readings:
1. "The Past, Present, and Future of Academic Women in the Mathematical Sciences: Education"
2. "Pulling the plug on gender-related differences in mathematics." Adams, T.L. (1998). Preventing School Failure, 42(4), 176-180.
3. "The role of attribution and significant others in gender differences in mathematics." Ramos, I. (1996). "The role of attribution and significant others in gender differences in mathematics." Initiatives, 57(4), 21-27.
Introduction:
Gender related differences in mathematics have been a long-term concern of educators. Several researchers have discussed differences in enrollment and participation patterns of females and males in mathematics. In previous studies, it has been found that males enroll in more mathematics classes than females, and also that males enroll in more rigorous or advanced mathematics classes than females.
Possible factors affecting gender differences in mathematics:
1. innate differences in mathematical ability between females and males
2. the number of mathematics courses students take
3. differences between females and males in risk taking behavior in mathematics
Possible Discussion Directions and Threads:
1. Have you ever experienced or witnessed gender inequity while learning mathematics? (k -present) Do you think it is an issue?
2. Do you think gender inequity in mathematics is more prevalent at a certain age?
3. What are your own beliefs about the mathematics learning of females and males?
4. Have your upper level math classes been predominantly male? If so, did both genders participate? Do you think it affected your learning in any way?
Schedule:
Introduction on web and distributed by Tuesday, September 26, 2:50 PM
Individual initial posts by Sunday, October 1, midnight
Follow up posts/discussion through Wednesday, October 11, midnight
Wrap-up posted here and to mailing list Friday, October 13