Dataset Information

Exploring bias in mechanical engineering students' perceptions of classmates.

ABSTRACT: Gender disparity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is an on-going challenge. Gender bias is one of the possible mechanisms leading to such disparities and has been extensively studied. Previous work showed that there was a gender bias in how students perceived the competence of their peers in undergraduate biology courses. We examined whether there was a similar gender bias in a mechanical engineering course. We conducted the study in two offerings of the course, which used different instructional practices. We found no gender bias in peer perceptions of competence in either of the offerings. However, we did see that the offerings' different instructional practices affected aspects of classroom climate, including: the number of peers who were perceived to be particularly knowledgeable, the richness of the associated network of connections between students, students' familiarity with each other, and their perceptions about the course environment. These results suggest that negative bias against female students in peer perception is not universal, either across institutions or across STEM fields, and that instructional methods may have an impact on classroom climate.

SUBMITTER: Salehi S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6405061 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Exploring bias in mechanical engineering students' perceptions of classmates.

Salehi Shima S Holmes N G NG Wieman Carl C

PloS one 20190307 3

Gender disparity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is an on-going challenge. Gender bias is one of the possible mechanisms leading to such disparities and has been extensively studied. Previous work showed that there was a gender bias in how students perceived the competence of their peers in undergraduate biology courses. We examined whether there was a similar gender bias in a mechanical engineering course. We conducted the study in two offerings of the course, which ...[more]

PMID: 30845229

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundThe teaching and learning environment (TLE) in medical schools is critical for shaping the outcomes and competencies of graduates. Research on TLE has highlighted its influence on student learning approaches and outcomes, yet gaps remain, particularly in qualitative insights, especially in Saudi Arabian contexts. This study aims to explore the students' experiences and perceptions of the TLE in a new medical college.MethodsThis qualitative study consisted of a total of five focus group discussions (3consequtive sessions for male group and two for female group) conducted virtually using the Zoom videoconferencing application. All the discussion sessions took place during a lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic between December 2020 and February 2021. Each session lasted for 45-60 min. Each group was formed of 4-5 students from different academic levels in the Majmaah medical school, which was established 10 years ago and is located in a small city. After "verbatim transcription" of the sessions was made, a framework thematic analysis of the data was performed using the NVivo software.ResultsThe study results revealed that various elements, such as educational content, faculty roles, and personal factors, collectively influenced the students' educational experiences. The students valued educational relevance and autonomous decision-making. The multifunctional role of faculty as mentors, evaluators, and resource providers was considered essential in enhancing academic experiences. Additionally, there was an evident need to improve the physical learning environment and facilities to adapt to emerging educational needs. These results align with existing literature, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice and the significant impact of faculty roles in academic experiences.ConclusionThe findings suggest that medical colleges should involve students more in decision-making related to their education and ensure the practical relevance of the educational content. Establishing open communication channels between students and faculty who act as mentors and evaluators is also essential. Furthermore, enhancing supportive infrastructures, such as mental health and financial services, and promoting extracurricular activities are crucial for fostering a more effective and nurturing learning environment.

Project description:21st Century Learning shifts the learning paradigm to change the way of learning and teaching. Organizing education containing three aspects of work readiness (knowledge, attitudes, and skills) is challenging for educators. Many educators only use the explanation method in vocational guidance, and do not fully use the demonstration method of learning machining practices related to how to work, how to behave in the workplace, and how to comply with regulations in the workplace, this causes many graduates who only have minimal competence, so they are not according to industry standards. This study aims to determine the effect of integrated vocational guidance on student work readiness in Vocational High Schools. This research is quasi-experimental research with a quantitative approach. The experimental design used was a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. This study used a control group with an explanation method and an experimental group with a demonstration method. In the explanation method in this study, the teacher explains how the machine works verbally, while in the demonstration method, the teacher demonstrates how the machine works and operates it, followed by student activities practising it again in the machine laboratory. The population of this study were students of the Mechanical Engineering Expertise Program. Data collection is done by observation and tests. Observations were used to collect data on technical skills and work attitudes. The test is used to collect data on aspects of basic knowledge. The results showed that: (1) The value of work readiness (knowledge, attitudes, skills) using the explanation method based on the Minimum Completeness Criteria (MCC); (2) The value of work readiness (knowledge, attitudes, skills) with the demonstration method above the MCC. This research has practical implications for vocational teachers who provide vocational guidance services with demonstration methods to students, especially the latest technological advances for learning, such as the use of the internet, digital technology, VR/AR, etc.

Dataset Information

Exploring bias in mechanical engineering students' perceptions of classmates.

Publications

Exploring bias in mechanical engineering students' perceptions of classmates.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets