ERIC Number: EJ996758
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Feb
Pages: 29
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1046-560X
EISSN: N/A
Religion as a Support Factor for Women of Color Pursuing Science Degrees: Implications for Science Teacher Educators
Ceglie, Robert
Journal of Science Teacher Education, v24 n1 p37-65 Feb 2013
This study explores the influence of religion as a support factor for a group of Latina and African-American women majoring in science. The current project is a part of a larger study that investigated persistence factors of underrepresented woman who were enrolled as science majors at United States colleges and universities. This paper focuses on one theme that emerged among six participants who disclosed how religion was a significant influence on their persistence in science fields. The strength and support offered by religious values is certainly not specific to science content; however, the support received from their beliefs highlights a potential area for further exploration. Given the importance of increasing participation by students from diverse backgrounds into science fields, it is critical to recognize how some of these differences may be the key factors influencing the way these students look at the world. This study offers evidence that science educators need to consider what role religious beliefs have for students who may be considering science or science education as a future career, particularly for those students from underrepresented groups.
Descriptors: Females, Majors (Students), Academic Persistence, Science Education, Role of Religion, Teacher Educators, Hispanic American Students, African American Students, Disproportionate Representation, Student Attitudes, Career Choice, Science Careers, Religious Factors, Beliefs, Minority Group Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A