Conference Session

Research on the First Year I

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Chirag Variawa, University of Toronto; Susan McCahan, University of Toronto

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

importance ofengineering competencies is subconsciously influenced by gendered assumptions. Engineeringcompetencies that are perceived as “feminine” are regarded as soft skills that are less valued. Asa mitigation strategy, they and others 35,36 suggest emphasizing the value and importance of awide variety of competencies in engineering, and being careful not to reinforce stereotypes. Tobe effective, they contend improvement strategies should be structural rather than individualistic.In general, the literature on gender issues in engineering education shows that the currentpopulation of women in STEM education is low relative to the general population and theinclusion of feminine identity plays a key role in the formation of an inclusive