Investigating the role of diversity and inclusion in STEM education in the UK.

Abolle-Okoyeagu, Chika Judith; Onoshakpor, Chioma; Okpu, Ambrose; Akerele, Emmanuel

Abstract

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is a very important driver in progressing the ever-evolving fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This aspect of EDI has become increasingly prominent in the professional societies in the past years especially as women continue to be underrepresented and marginalized. This research investigates the various strategies that have been employed in the promotion of EDI in STEM education with the aim of recommending the ideal combination for girls in the UK. This study will draw on quantitative analysis of male and female secondary school students, to first and foremost uncover the root causes behind the underrepresentation of girl's in STEM, some of these barriers include academic curricula that do not reflect diverse perspectives, biased or poor recruitment practices, a lack of role models etc. We argue that diversity responsive teaching, mentorship programs, and supportive institutional policies could help bridge the lingering inclusion gap. We explore further some key initiatives from various academic institutions to identify successful approaches that have been used to improve diversity in STEM. Some of which include targeted public engagement activities, scholarship programs, and inclusive pedagogical methods that accommodate a diverse range of learning styles and cultural backgrounds. The findings of this study will provide educators and policymakers with insights and tools to help make informed decision on closing the diversity and inclusion gap in STEM education in the UK.

Citation

ABOLLE-OKOYEAGU, C.J., ONOSHAKPOR, C., AKERELE, E. and OKPU, A. 2024. Investigating the role of diversity and inclusion in STEM education in the UK. Presented at the 6th Global conference on education and teaching 2024 (GLOBALET 2024), 25-27 October 2024, Nice, France.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: 6th Global conference on education and teaching 2024 (GLOBALET 2024)
• Start Date: Oct 25, 2024
• End Date: Oct 27, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 24, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 1, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Equality; Diversity; Gender; Inclusion; STEM
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2486768
• Additional Information: The abstract for this presentation has been published with the following citation: ABOLLE-OKOYEAGU, C.J., ONOSHAKPOR, C., AKERELE, E. and OKPU, A. 2024. Investigating the role of diversity and inclusion in STEM education in the UK. In Abstract book of proceedings of the 6th Global conference on education and teaching 2024 (GLOBALET 2024), 25-27 October 2024, Nice, France. Vilnius, Lithuania: Diamond Scientific Publishing [online], abstract number 19-4078. Available from: https://www.dpublication.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/19-4078.pdf