This report provides a picture of students who entered a university engineering program and then persisted or left the program. It examines students' mathematical-mechanical abilities, psychological-motivational aspects, support services, and perceptions of the world of engineering work. It also identifies problems that women and blacks…

National Assessment of Educational Progress data show that, by age 9, girls express interest but do not engage in as many science activities as boys. This continues through ages 13 and 17, paralleled by increasing negative views of science and science classes/careers. Suggestions to eliminate inequalities found are offered. (JN)

This paper discusses the campus climate as a critical element in the academic development of college students, with emphasis on minority and women students pursuing engineering and other technical degrees. Reforming the campus climate to make it more receptive to minority and women students requires: (1) a clear mandate from top administrators to…

This book reports a study which examined the concrete experiences of male and female university students in the United Kingdom, and the meanings students attach to them. It suggests that meanings arise from everyday discourse, which habitually uses oppositions such as masculinity/femininity and arts/sciences. Chapter 1 introduces the issue of…

Reports on a study of school subject preference among 566 male and 567 female students in both single-sex and coeducational British secondary schools. Finds an effect of school type for younger students only. Also finds clear effects of gender with higher rankings given to mathematics and science by boys and to art by girls. (CFR)

Reasons why more women are not studying and completing degrees in tradionally male fields are discussed, along with what can be done by colleges to help remedy the situation. A focus of attention is the academic and social environment experienced by women students in traditionally male college programs. In addition, precollege experiences for…

A study of 81 female graduate students over age 30 at a large urban research university investigated their experiences, problems, and demographics. Results indicate that variables important to persistence are marital status, quality of student/student and student/faculty interactions, and grade point average. Policy implications and possible…

Focuses on autobiographical composition and storytelling to promote critical thinking and feminist inquiry in women's studies and composition courses. Analyzes the personal discovery of the author's own voice as a woman writer. Presents three activities designed to initiate dialogue and elicit stories. Outlines assignment in which students produce…