11-04-04
Survey Reveals Positive Impact of Behrend's Math Options Program
|
|
For the first time
since it began to offer Math Options in 1997, Penn State Behrend has
proof that this career exploration program for seventh- and
eighth-grade girls is meeting its goals. A recently completed survey
of participants from 1997, 1998, and 1999 suggests that the Math
Options Program has had a positive effect on math and science interest
among the students who participated. |
The long-term evaluation resulting from this survey found that most respondents-who are now finishing high school or beginning college-realized that an understanding of math, science, and technology was important to becoming a successful adult. Approximately 35 percent of respondents said they would like to have a career in a math-related field, nearly 60 percent said they would like to have a career in a science-related field, and 40 percent said they would like to have a career in a technology-related field. About 75 percent of respondents agreed that Math Options helped raised their awareness of careers in math, science, and technology.
"We've always had
wonderful participation in Math Options from schools all across
northwestern Pennsylvania," said Peggy McCarthy, director of the
Center for Corporate and Continuing Education, which presents the
program each year. "This is the first time we've been able to gather
data that proves the program's effectiveness."
Two Penn State Behrend psychology students, Erin M. Ferguson and
Jessica A. Knapp, conducted the Math Options survey and analysis under
the direction of Dr. Dawn G. Blasko, associate professor of
psychology. The students received a 2004 Undergraduate Summer Research
Fellowship that funded the costs of conducting their research. The
survey was sent to 688 program participants from 1997, 1998, and 1999,
and more than 250 girls responded.
Math Options has provided an annual career day to more than 200 girls
and their teachers each year since 1997, providing hands-on workshops
in math, science, and technology. Interest in this area developed when
research over past decades indicated a disparity between boys and
girls in their interest in math and science, and resulting in a small
number of women pursuing careers requiring math and science.
One goal of Math Options is to provide opportunities for participants
to explore career options through interaction with professional women
who have succeeded in fields that use math and science. Keynote
speakers over the years have included a construction project manager,
several physicians, a veterinarian, a mechanical engineer, a U.S. Army
dentist, the director of the Women in Science and Engineering program
at Penn State, and the Mayor of Erie.
In the survey's conclusion, the authors said past participants
reported a willingness to take optional math and science courses in
high school, and research shows that these additional courses can help
to narrow the gender gap in career preparation. Most of the
participants reported being very happy with their experience and would
recommend the program to others. The girls are still touched by the
program, as evidenced by one written response: "thank you so much for
making Math Options available. I can distinctly remember my experience
and am so appreciative that I was given the opportunity to attend."
McCarthy indicated that plans are underway for Math Options 2005,
which will take place Tuesday, May 10, 2005. For more information or
to volunteer to be part of Math Options, call the Penn State Behrend
Center for Corporate and Continuing Education at 814-898-6103.
Contact: Loretta Brandon, 814-898-6063, lzb6@psu.edu