Girls in Robotics

My proposal is about the elimination of gender gap in Computer Science, Robotics and STEM careers by peer mentoring.

As a woman and teacher, with 16-year experience in k-12 Education, I can validate that the gender gap exists, in large scale.
About a month ago, I was invited to a Summer school to present Educational Robotics and to involve students to hands-on activities with Lego Mindstorms EV3. There were about 300 students and many of them were girls. So, I asked my 12-year old daughter to come with me in order to help me with the girls participants, as a peer mentor. It was the first time taking her as an assistant and I must say that the result was amazing! The girls collaborated extremely well with Stefania, taking into account every advice and encouragement that she gave to them. I have to add that, Stefania is my student in my Robotics lesson and member of my Robotics team, TriRoboNauts so she has an experience and inclination in Coding, Robotics and STEM. In the beginning, the girls were afraid of building the robot, they weren't familiarised with building with Lego bricks (they are expensive, so most of Greek children don't have experience with them, as toys) and every time they did mistake, they were loosing their confidence to continue. But, fortunately, Stefania was helping them and encouraging them to continue and was helping them to correct their building mistakes. The same happened while coding their robots. At the end of every group session, I realised that the presence of Stefania was crucial, since a lot of girls wanted to ask me about Coding and Robotics lessons and their interest and enthousiasm astonished me! The solution of peer mentoring: Students feel more comfortable to learn and try with the help of peers, who have the knowledge to support them, and especially girls!

As I mentioned above, girls in ICT and STEM careers are not many, there is a gap gender in these fields, that must be eliminated. More specifically, Computer Science and Robotics are worlds of men and I always feel as a minority. I believe that the main problem for the gender gap is the stereotypes and the lack of self-confidence. Why boys aren't afraid of doing something wrong and girls are always afraid of?! I believe that we can change this reality, by encouraging girls by peer mentoring.

I can't be sure that my solution will solve the gender gap, but I believe that it is worth trying. I intend to repeat peer mentoring with Stefania and 2 more girls students from my Robotics lessons, because I beleive that I can help girls face STEM, Robotics and Computer Science with more possitivism.

Everry girl and woman worldwidely

survey - More girls intend to follow Robotics, Computer Sciencd and STEM careers

I don't know if my solution is unique, what I know is my practical experience in Education and my belief that gender gap should be eliminated, trying my best to help to achieve it. I believe in my abilities and I think that a lot of girls are inspired by my love for Robotics and Coding. This is my motive, love for science!

Teaching is human-centered

Workshops, seminars, hands-on activities, but first of all, some girls, from different group ages, with passion for Robotics, STEM and Computer Science should be trained

If we are funded, we will be able to support our solution. Otherwise, it is difficult

https://www.facebook.com/akethlab/

I beleive that gender gap can be eliminated by peer mentoring

Aketh