Where Are All the Students? Factors that Encourage Female Participants in Technology Education

Abstract

Females are significantly underrepresented in technology education classrooms in senior secondary schools. Participation rates for female students in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) subjects are lower than those of males. Data show that this has a flow on effect on females entering subjects such as Engineering at the tertiary education level. Williams (Intl J Des Educ 7:1–9, 2011) argues that gender issues in technology education have been under-researched. This chapter aims to identify positive influences that encourage female students to participate in technology education. Using a qualitative, feminist ethnographic case study methodology guided by a sociocultural framework, the study aims to demonstrate how classroom teachers may take steps to engage young female learners in technology education.