Math Isn’t Scary and Science is Fun: Opting into a Dream Career with STEM
by Rose B. Gaylen
I am not good at math – I have told myself this for years and years. Most of my life, in fact.
I wanted to be an architect when I was younger, so my parents got me a kid’s set of drafting tools and traceable blueprints. I then got busy making floor plans that defied the laws of physics and didn’t make any engineering sense at all.
Lately, however, I’ve been thinking about my math ‘skill’. How, when, or why, did I suddenly at such a young age, become ‘bad’ at math, before I’d even acquired most of the skills? As I read about elementary girls who have already opted out of STEM subjects, I can’t help but wonder. How could I have known if I was or wasn’t good at math, or if I did or didn’t want to pursue a certain career at such a young age? I could have at least imagined the possibilities, right? And if a person of my background, and yes, privilege, ‘opted-out’ what does that mean for other students?
Here are some quotes from students exploring Couragion:
“I just learned about a new career. I was interested because it seemed like a good fit but the moment she said she uses math every day, I said no it is not a good fit anymore - I do not like math, and it is difficult for me.”
“This was amazing! I myself never even knew that this job existed! Not so much excited for the math part, but I am hands DOWN interested in this job!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“I think that this career sounds like a lot of fun. I really like the creative aspect of it. Something I wouldn't like about it would be all of the math involved.”
I think we have our answer.
Couragion redefines who can succeed in STEM. Couragion also improves awareness, and perception of careers that require STEM skills and competencies, in order to increase the representation of students of color, and females in STEM careers. With the Couragion platform students engage in career exploration and mentorship with a variety of careers, and they see a diverse population of role models in those jobs. This offers them a broader picture of what is possible, and who belongs. As early as grade four, students can learn through videos and activities that find their best-fit career interests, while identifying ongoing opportunities to advance those interests throughout their schooling. Work-based learning experiences allow all students to begin to imagine themselves in STEM careers and increase their STEM career literacy.
A poignant study by the Aurora Institute posits that occupational identity is shaped in adolescence when personal, racial and cultural identity development are acutely underway. It is shaped by exposure to career options, hands-on learning experiences in careers, and participation in professional communities within workplaces. This positive and impactful exposure can lead to open and uninhibited occupational identity development. However, there is an insidious presence of external and internal race and gender bias, and gaps in access, such as lack of exposure in school-based and work-based learning. There is a lack of deep and authentic school-based learning; this can limit, suppress, or falsely direct learner’s opportunities to imagine themselves in, and pursue careers of their own, true choosing.
By embarking on career quests and taking on Couragion Quests, students see themselves in different careers that they may not have otherwise considered. These explorations are guided by the students’ own interests, learning styles, and ways of working. When students learn new skills, they can share their accomplishments with their peers and teachers, which then fosters a sense of achievement and belonging.
Learn more about Couragion, and how students can find their own personal STEM identities through engaging career exploration. After all, when a little architect and a little engineer grow up, a floor plan that makes no physical sense at first might become the inspiration for new material science and engineering innovations that have yet to be discovered. Why would we want to limit those exciting possibilities?
Contact us for a demo, or email haley@mindspark.org with questions about getting Couragion into your classroom.