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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:16 Now here's your host, Adam Bush.
00:00:17 --> 00:00:20 All right, good morning. Happy Wednesday. Welcome back to Your Morning Boost.
00:00:21 --> 00:00:25 Today we're tackling a crucial issue in education, and that is how to encourage
00:00:25 --> 00:00:32 our underrepresented student groups to engage in and excel in our STEM classes and programs.
00:00:33 --> 00:00:36 I'm going to draw on some insights from a recent Education Week article that
00:00:36 --> 00:00:41 sheds a little light on a simple yet powerful strategy for increasing participation,
00:00:41 --> 00:00:46 and specifically amongst girls and students of color in our computer science classes.
00:00:46 --> 00:00:50 Quick reminder before we dive in, our special Your Booster Shot episode with
00:00:50 --> 00:00:53 the inspiring Chris Norton story. It's available today.
00:00:54 --> 00:00:57 So don't miss out on his story of resilience and the powerful messages that
00:00:57 --> 00:01:01 he shares. But let's get back to our topic for this morning.
00:01:01 --> 00:01:06 So this Education Week article, it highlights a key factor in attracting underrepresented
00:01:06 --> 00:01:11 students to computer science. And that key is the way these courses are presented.
00:01:11 --> 00:01:15 Often our emphasis is placed on technical skills and coding,
00:01:15 --> 00:01:19 which can be intimidating or maybe even seem a little irrelevant to students
00:01:19 --> 00:01:22 who don't see themselves as techies.
00:01:22 --> 00:01:26 They might perceive computer science as something that's only for those that
00:01:26 --> 00:01:31 are already proficient in math or already have a natural affinity for technology.
00:01:31 --> 00:01:36 And this perception, it can create this sense of exclusion and it can lead to
00:01:36 --> 00:01:37 lower participation rates.
00:01:37 --> 00:01:43 However, this article also suggests that a simple yet very profound shift,
00:01:43 --> 00:01:48 which is framing computer science as a tool for solving real world problems
00:01:48 --> 00:01:53 and maybe making a positive impact on society, this is a simple way for us to
00:01:53 --> 00:01:55 make this programming more attractive.
00:01:55 --> 00:02:00 But it isn't just about changing the curriculum. It's really about changing the narrative.
00:02:01 --> 00:02:06 This approach resonates very deeply with students who are driven by a desire to make a difference.
00:02:06 --> 00:02:10 It talks about how many students, especially those from underrepresented groups,
00:02:11 --> 00:02:16 they are passionate about addressing social injustices and creating a more equitable world.
00:02:16 --> 00:02:21 And by showcasing how computer science can be used to develop assistive technologies
00:02:21 --> 00:02:26 for people with disabilities or analyze data to combat climate change or even
00:02:26 --> 00:02:29 create educational apps for underserved communities.
00:02:29 --> 00:02:34 Any of these things can help spark interest and demonstrate the relevance of STEM skills.
00:02:34 --> 00:02:40 It's about connecting the dots between abstract concepts and tangible applications,
00:02:40 --> 00:02:42 and these are things that really matter to our students.
00:02:42 --> 00:02:45 We're just going to show them that STEM isn't all about coding.
00:02:46 --> 00:02:47 It's about creating solutions.
00:02:48 --> 00:02:51 The article also emphasizes the importance of representation.
00:02:51 --> 00:02:55 When students see role models who look like them and share their backgrounds
00:02:55 --> 00:03:01 succeeding in STEM fields, it breaks down stereotypes, and it helps build a sense of belonging.
00:03:01 --> 00:03:06 One of my favorite TV shows is The Big Bang Theory, and I can think of a couple
00:03:06 --> 00:03:10 episodes where the women in that show that are in the science field are going
00:03:10 --> 00:03:14 to talk to young women, and of course, it's a comedy, so we're having fun with
00:03:14 --> 00:03:15 this, but really, truly,
00:03:15 --> 00:03:17 the point is very clear—
00:03:17 --> 00:03:22 If I'm a student, I'm going to see myself in a possible career field if I can
00:03:22 --> 00:03:26 truly see someone that looks like me, feels like me, acts like me,
00:03:26 --> 00:03:27 and somebody that I can connect with.
00:03:28 --> 00:03:31 This could involve inviting guest speakers from diverse backgrounds,
00:03:31 --> 00:03:35 highlighting the achievements of underrepresented scientists and engineers,
00:03:35 --> 00:03:40 and it creates an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported.
00:03:40 --> 00:03:44 For instance, showcasing work of women and people of color who have made a significant
00:03:44 --> 00:03:48 contribution to computer science, that can help inspire students to challenge
00:03:48 --> 00:03:52 that notion that STEM is a field dominated by white males.
00:03:52 --> 00:03:57 It's helping to create a culture where everyone feels like they belong and their
00:03:57 --> 00:03:59 contributions are valued.
00:03:59 --> 00:04:03 Now, beyond representation, we can create a supportive and encouraging learning
00:04:03 --> 00:04:06 environment, and that part's very crucial, too. This means that we need to provide
00:04:06 --> 00:04:09 opportunities for hands-on learning, fostering collaboration,
00:04:10 --> 00:04:11 offering mentorship and guidance.
00:04:12 --> 00:04:15 It's about creating a space where students feel safe to take risks.
00:04:15 --> 00:04:18 Ask questions and learn from their mistakes.
00:04:18 --> 00:04:22 Hands-on projects, collaborative problem solving and access to mentors.
00:04:22 --> 00:04:26 This will help our students develop that confidence and build the skills they
00:04:26 --> 00:04:31 need to succeed in STEM. Early exposure to STEM concepts is also key.
00:04:31 --> 00:04:34 Think about implementing some STEM activities and programs in elementary and
00:04:34 --> 00:04:39 middle school that will help spark interest and build foundational skills at a young age.
00:04:39 --> 00:04:43 Too often, we just save these for our talented and gifted kids or the kids that
00:04:43 --> 00:04:44 are ready for something more.
00:04:44 --> 00:04:47 We should want to introduce these skills to all of our kids.
00:04:47 --> 00:04:52 Otherwise, we are making the decision way ahead of time about who's going to
00:04:52 --> 00:04:53 be interested in this field.
00:04:53 --> 00:04:56 We need to let the kids make that decision for themselves.
00:04:56 --> 00:05:00 By implementing a few of these strategies, we can create a more equitable and
00:05:00 --> 00:05:04 inclusive STEM education system, and it will empower all of our students to
00:05:04 --> 00:05:04 reach their full potential.
00:05:05 --> 00:05:08 It's about breaking down barriers, fostering a love of learning,
00:05:08 --> 00:05:12 and creating a future where everyone has that opportunity to contribute to the
00:05:12 --> 00:05:14 advancement of science and technology.
00:05:14 --> 00:05:17 Remember, diverse perspectives are essential for innovation.
00:05:18 --> 00:05:22 The Education Week article, this help serves as a reminder that even small changes,
00:05:22 --> 00:05:26 they can have a significant impact. just shifting perspective and creating a
00:05:26 --> 00:05:30 more inclusive learning environment, it will help inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
00:05:30 --> 00:05:33 Thanks for tuning in to your Morning Boost. Don't forget, your Booster Shot
00:05:33 --> 00:05:36 episode with Chris Norton is available today. Check that out.
00:05:36 --> 00:05:38 I guarantee you, you will not be disappointed.
00:05:39 --> 00:05:42 Thanks for listening. We will talk with you again tomorrow. You have been listening
00:05:42 --> 00:05:47 to your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:05:48 --> 00:05:52 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:05:53 --> 00:05:57 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:05:57 --> 00:06:01 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.