Messages Girls Need To Hear About Maths – Jennifer Oaten

1. Girls are just as good at maths as boys!

Research over the past ten years suggests that there are no gender differences in children’s cognitive abilities and, therefore, no difference, on average, in the potential for females and males to achieve in mathematics (Spelke, 2005). It is thought that gender differences in math performance have more to do with culture than aptitude.  

According to the latest results from the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), girls in Australia perform on a similar level to boys in maths. So we need to question if performance is similar, why do females make up only 18% of engineering majors at university? Girls chose courses based on success.

We need girls to know they can succeed at maths.

2. You can do maths and do it well!

Girls also report higher levels of anxiety about maths and significantly lower levels of confidence than boys (Thomson, DeBortoli, & Buckley, 2013). Math discomfort felt by other females can unintentionally pass on the notion that maths is for boys and that it is challenging for females or, as commonly said, ‘I hated maths’ or ‘I wasn’t great at maths’ can be damaging.

We need to create an equal playing field that empowers girls to pursue their passion for mathematics. Self-confidence plays a vital role in girls’ relationship with numbers. When they possess confidence, they actively engage with and excel in math. Addressing this issue and providing support to boost their self-assurance is crucial. We need to encourage them to replace negative thoughts with affirmations, remind them of their problem-solving prowess and implement strategies to empower girls to embrace math with confidence and excel in their numerical skills.

Cultivating a supportive environment to nurture a growth mindset that embraces mistakes and values effort will create a safe space for learning and personal growth. Praising efforts to move past frustration, having a go and making mistakes rather than praise for the correct answer will help girls show resilience and tackle any maths challenge. Celebrating achievements by recognising and celebrating their progress, no matter how small, will boost confidence and motivation to keep learning and improving.

We need to ensure girls believe success in mathematics is achievable.

3. Maths has real-life relevance.

Australian girls are less likely than boys to be interested in maths, according to PISA. This lack of interest is a key factor in why they are less engaged and don’t choose maths subjects.

Girls’ scores in maths and science are generally somewhat similar; however, girl’s scores in humanities subjects are around 13% higher. Girls have strengths in the humanities and, as a result, may favour choosing these subjects over maths subjects.

Efforts to increase students’ interest, enjoyment or intrinsic value can improve students’ perceptions of mathematics and promote the importance of mathematics. Providing diverse learning opportunities enables girls to connect math to real-life scenarios to demonstrate its relevance and problem-solving nature. This will help girls see the practical applications of math beyond the classroom and know that math will be important for future studies or careers. 

Collaboration can enhance learning and problem-solving in math. Group tasks and discussions not only encourage teamwork but also allow girls to learn from one another’s perspectives and approaches. Introducing math concepts in creative and engaging ways.

Highlighting how maths is used in technology, engineering, finance, medicine, and many other fields helps girls to see future pathways for themselves. By connecting math to real-world scenarios, girls can see how their skills can make a tangible impact on the world around them rather than just seeing math as numbers.

We need to ensure girls understand the exciting and dynamic aspects of mathematics.