There are no gender specifications when it comes to STEM education. In fact, there is a misconception around stereotypes and cultural norms, which can dampen girls’ interest in STEM pathways. If you have a young daughter, you may have been exposed to the industry-driven demand for more female roles and minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). STEM education has many benefits for girls, from building confidence in their STEM skills and abilities, to developing problem-solving and thinking skills.
The team at NumberWorks’n’Words Norwood/Unley have given us their top three benefits of STEM education for girls.
1. Build confidence in STEM subjects
Girls can develop a lack of interest, motivation, and confidence towards STEM subjects, especially due to common stereotypes and misconceptions that girls are bad at science and maths. By introducing girls to STEM education and encouraging them to explore opportunities with STEM-related subjects, it helps them to build confidence and develop a passion for the STEM field. Early introduction to STEM education will enable girls to feel more confident and comfortable about taking on STEM subjects, while pushing and challenging themselves. Learning about STEM helps bring women together, which provides the younger generation of girls with role models and encourages them to seek STEM mentors. Support your daughter in every way you can to ensure that they feel confident and comfortable with STEM subjects.
2. Develop their problem-solving and thinking skills
STEM involves critical thinking and problem-solving, while also encouraging creativity. When taught at a young age, STEM encourages children to solve problems and think outside the box, so that the skills they learn remain with them throughout their lives. Maths is an important component of all STEM subjects, and requires children to think critically and logically. As parents and educators, we want to instil these skills in our children to enhance their learning agility. If you have concerns about your daughter’s competency in maths, after-school maths tutoring with NumberWorks’nWords can help them get up to speed.
3. Opens up career opportunities and educational pathways
STEM education not only teaches girls valuable skills, but it also prepares them for a future where most jobs will require a basic understanding of maths and science. Actively involving girls in STEM education opens up endless career options and educational pathways. As we live in an ever-evolving world with technology advancements, STEM for girls is becoming increasingly relevant. STEM skills are essential for many science, technology, engineering, and maths careers, which is why it is important instil these skills in girls from a young age. If you have a daughter who is interested in STEM subjects, open up a discussion about the career opportunities and pathways available to them. They may end up surprising you by pursuing a job in a STEM field.
Women perform just as well as men in STEM-related industries and are highly sought-after in many male-dominated fields, which is why it is important to overcome these gender disparities through STEM education. Breaking down gender barriers with STEM introduces a whole new world of educational and career prospects for girls. At NumberWorks’nWords, we offer after-school maths and English tutoring to help children progress and elevate their learning journey. Get in touch with us to learn about how we can help support your child with their academic needs.
If you would like to learn more about our tutoring programmes, contact your local centre, or book a free assessment today!
