Allison Master’s research on girl’s motivation for STEM activities was one of 200 videos in the
2018 STEM for All Video Showcase, and was selected to receive the "Facilitator's Choice" award. This online event features innovative research sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that aims to improve STEM learning and teaching.
A gender gap exists in interest in programming, computer science and other tech fields, and it begins at an early age. Master’s research speaks to this gap, and indicates that girls’ motivation to engage in STEM opportunities can be enhanced. When girls, who are as young as 6 years old, have a fun and positive experience with robotics, it increases their interest in and confidence with programming. These findings may help narrow the gender gap, and provide parents and educators with tools to help encourage more girls to pursue STEM disciplines.
