Gender equality in the early STEM-education as a factor of Russia’s successful technological development Cover Image

Гендерное равенство в STEM-программах дошкольного образования как фактор успешного технологического развития России
Gender equality in the early STEM-education as a factor of Russia’s successful technological development

Author(s): O. B. Savinskaya
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Education, Gender history, Preschool education, School education, Social development, Sociology of Culture, Sociology of the arts, business, education, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Sociology of Education
Published by: Ивановский государственный университет
Keywords: early childhood education; gender differences of preschoolers; gender equality; girls and boys; STEM; technological development;

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the importance of the implementation of educational programs for pre-school children to study the basics of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM-knowledge), as the scientific basis of development in today’s world of technological transition. Overview of the current situation in preschool education shows that STEM-knowledge gives preschoolers great potential for further development in primary and secondary schools. Studies also show that boys are more likely to acquire a better knowledge of mathematics and engineering sciences, which — to a certain extent — is determined by the teachers and pupils gender stereotypes concerning pre-school education. The article deals with the subject of STEM-knowledge for preschool children and the gender dimensions of its successful teaching. The two important parts of education policy should be implemented: development of pre-service activities or teacher training on gender analysis in STEM-programs and wider spreading of STEM-knowledge in the municipal kindergartens. Knowledge of gender differences should not lead to the development of gender dichotomy in education; on the contrary, it should lead to equal access of children to knowledge by developing motivation and positive attitudes of boys and girls to STEM-knowledge. The high importance of STEM-education is based on the fact that new information technologies and scientific approach encompass any professional activity and even everyday life of modern man.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 16-24
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Russian