| Summary |
The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of a sample of college freshmen enrolled in an introductory biology class on the existence of and effects on career choice of gender bias in their high school science classrooms. Many studies dealing with equity issues have focused on ways to correct inequitable environments. This study focused specifically on how students perceive gender inequities that they may have experienced. A combination of causal- comparative and survey methodologies were utilized to ascertain perceptions of the sample of 369 students. A questionnaire was developed and validated specifically for this study. Students were grouped, for comparison purposes, science and non-science majors, and as male and female.as Chi-square analyses were utilized to compare groups in terms of their responses to the survey questions. General results of the study indicate that gender bias does exist in our schools and does affect students, but that students realize that gender bias and sexual stereotypes are a part of our The population reported that both culture and our society. male and female teachers were gender biased. In general, males stated that more of their female teachers were biased, and females stated that more of their male teachers were biased. Most students reported having one or two gender biased teachers. The overwhelming majority of the surveyed students reported that gender bias did not affect their career choice. These students were especially concerned with the issues of gender equitable grading and discipline policies, and they felt that society is slowly changing to become more gender equitable. |
