Barriers to female participation in technology education at Millennium High

Abstract

The purpose for this study was to determine if gender inequity exists in technology education and report those inequities by identifying the top three negative perceptions that females have about technology education, the differences in negative perceptions between males and females, and to what extent those negative perceptions influenced/impacted female enrollment in technology courses an Millennium High School. In order to determine if there were barriers to female participation in technology education the researcher developed and administrated a survey instrument. The survey instrument was designed to determine the extent to which the barriers uncovered during the review of literature exist at Millennium High School. The findings of this study were based on the review of literature and on the reported results of the survey that was administrated by the researcher at Millennium High School. Based on these findings the researcher formulated the following recommendations: • Design a series of gender equity in-services • Create a gender-neutral learning atmosphere • Increase the amount of instruction that students receive on the use of equipment • Increase the comfort level around the machines • A simple coat of fresh paint on the walls and new ceiling tile • Make sure that there are several gender-neutral projects • Institute a gender exclusive technology education course.