- peer instruction (discussing answers in small groups during lectures)
- curricular materials (such as tutorials)
- context rich problems 
- restructuring the entire physics course 
- introducing mentoring programs focused on women
- values affirmation 

Reducing the Gender Gap in Physics 

The main factor influencing the gender achievement gap in physics is the gender stereotype. 

- An example given in this article is that women worry that having poor performance in the physics course could lead to confirmation of a negative gender stereotype. 
- This gender stereotype can put a lot of pressure on women, mostly for women who believe this stereotype applies to them. 

Factor influencing the Gender Gap in Physics: gender stereotype 

- limited representation of women in the course 
- women earn lower exam grades
- women earn lower scores on standardized tests of conceptual mastery 

Wayne State University

The achievement gap that exists in physics courses between male and female students. 

Gender Gap In Physics 

Miyake, A., Kost-Smith, L.E., Finkelstein, N.D., Pollock, S.J., Cohen, G.L. & Ito, T.A. (2010). Reducing the Gender Achievement Gap in College Science: A Classroom Study of Values Affirmation. Science (New York, N.Y.), 330(6008), 1234–1237. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1195996

Reducing the Gender Achievement Gap in College Science: A Classroom Study of Values Affirmation

Gender Gap In Introductory Physics Course

One research study looked at the different kinds of achievement gaps that were present in science classes, such as gender and minority gaps. A sample of students were studied based on their demographic (gender, ethnicity, SES). Through an assessment that involved testing students based on their knowledge of physics, biology, chemistry, and earth science, this study tried to identify the how and why behind these achievement gaps and to see if teacher involvement could mitigate said gaps. 

Learn Before

Related

Learn After