Date of Award

1-1-2015

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Education Theory and Practice

Content Description

1 online resource (vi, 179 pages) : illustrations (some color)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Alan Oliveira

Committee Members

Jennifer Goodall, Kristen Wilcox

Keywords

Computer Science education, Engineering Education, Girls in STEM, STEM Education, Women in STEM, Women in science, Women in mathematics, Women in technology, Women in engineering, High school girls, Women science students, Women college students, Science, Technology, Mathematics, Educational equalization

Subject Categories

Education | Science and Mathematics Education

Abstract

This paper explores the lived experiences of high school female students who choose to enter into STEM fields, and describes the influencing factors which steered these women towards majors in computer science, engineering and biology. Utilizing phenomenological methodology, this study seeks to understand the essence of women’s decisions to enter into STEM fields and further describe how the decision-making process varies for women in high female enrollment fields, like biology, as compared with low enrollment fields like, computer science and engineering. Using Bloom's 3-Stage Theory, this study analyzes how relationships, experiences and barriers influenced women towards, and possibly away, from STEM fields.

Download

Share

COinS