Immunology as a basis for STEM related teaching that is culturally appropriate and engages underrepresented High School students

Abstract

Abstract Indigenous Māori and Pacific Peoples in New Zealand (NZ) remain overrepresented both in adverse health statistics and education outcomes. To improve education and health outcomes for Māori and Pacific communities, various strategies and interventions have been proposed. This includes efforts to increase the Māori and Pacific health workforce populations figures more reflective of the make-up of the NZ population. These health careers require participation in science and health related subject matter throughout high school and at higher education learning levels. Māori and Pacific students remain underrepresented amongst these groups. The purpose of this work was to support improved interest and participation in science related learning that was Immunologically focused, amongst high school students from underrepresented groups that included Māori and Pacific students. A visit was carried out by a Biomedical Scientist to an all-girls high school class comprised of students who were of predominantly Māori and Pacific heritage to teach and share about Immunology research work that was Cancer based. The female Biomedical Scientist was of Pacific heritage and was an important consideration in the application of the role modelling concept for the Pacific students within this interaction. Verbal and written feedback highlighted the session was well-received and enjoyed by those in attendance. An important observation was the positive impact and enthusiasm of the students in response to the emphasis on the Immunologically focused Cancer based examples. This work demonstrated the importance of cultural considerations blended with scientific knowledge communication and interactions in the classroom.