THAWING THE FREEZING CLIMATE FOR WOMEN IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION: VIEWS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE DESK

Abstract

Despite years of attempts to recruit and retain women in engineering, women still comprise only about 17% of the college engineering population, and attrition rates remain high. This paper examines why college engineering programs might freeze out women, focusing on gendered learning styles and sources of advice. It also examines the perceptions of women faculty in engineering, who report strong feelings of isolation and overwork but who are nonetheless generally satisfied with their careers and willing to recommend engineering as a career to younger women—if these students can only survive until they get into smaller, higher level courses. The authors recommend several changes in current engineering education practice to attract students, particularly women, who desire more connected, collaborative learning—a style compatible with an engineering profession of the future that will need these skills to address increasingly complex problems.

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