Analyses of Female Engineering Education Programs Abroad

Women engineering education programs in the United States, Europe and Australia were analyzed. From 1970s, these countries focused on the low representation of women in engineering, and carried out extensive research and programs. Numerous studies identified the causes of low representation as low interests in mathematics and science during K-12 years, classroom environments which treat women differently (often referred as chilly climate), and the masculine culture in engineering. Comprehensive approaches were taken in the development of the programs: the programs utilized the schools and universities as well as various local institutes, and the programs were designed not only for female students from elementary to graduate levels, but also for parents, teachers, professors, and school administrators. In order to adopt these programs in Korea, the problems that Korean female engineering students are facing in the education environment must be investigated first. Then, unified efforts to change the educational system, environments and culture are needed by all in engineering fields, along with nation-wide policies and funding.

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