Female high school students’ science, technology, engineering and mathematics intentions: the effects of stereotype threat

Bibliography: leaves 131-155The central objective of the present research was to provide a better understanding of stereotype threat and its underlying effects on female high school students’ intention to major in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Specifically, the study investigated the intervening effects of mathematics/science self-efficacy and the conditional effects of perceived social support with regards to the implications of stereotype threat. For this reason, three studies were conducted. Participants were female (Study 1 – 3) and male (Study 1) high school students from Harer and Dire Dawa Regions, located in the Eastern part of Ethiopia. Study 1 provided evidence that both female and male participants were well aware of the existence of the negative stereotype about females’ mathematics/science ability. Participants reported that the Ethiopian society attributes less mathematics/science ability to females than to males. Although female participants were well aware of the existence of the negative stereotype about females’ mathematics and science ability, they did not endorse it. Study 2 showed experimentally that stereotype threat reduces indeed females’ intention to major in STEM fields. Moreover, Study 2 revealed that mathematics/science self-efficacy mediated the relationship between stereotype threat and females’ intention to major in STEM fields. Study 3 addressed the role of social support. The results revealed that female participants who felt socially supported in their intention to major in a STEM field were found to be resistant to the negative effects of stereotype threat. In other words, it is the interaction between stereotype threat and the lack of social support that reduces females' intention to major in STEM fields. The findings of the present study are discussed in relation to stereotype threat theory and related literature as well as in relation to potential educational interventions relevant for the Ethiopian context.PsychologyD. Phil. (Psychology

Play and learning materials in university model preschool: Exploring the availability and utilization

This study explored the availability and utilization of play and learning materials in the Haromaya University Model Preschool, Ethiopia. In doing so, a qualitative case study design was employed. Data were generated from five chosen teaching staff of the model preschools purposively traced by the researchers. Interview protocol and observation checklist were utilized as a data-gathering tool. To comprehend the phenomenon, the researcher used thematic analysis. The study's findings were illustrated with 3 major themes and 8 sub-themes. There are average materials available for play and education in the model preschool. Teachers utilize play and learning materials to introduce new concepts, reinforce learning, promote socio-emotional development, and promote creativity. Several factors determine the usage of play materials for learning: economy, perception, and attitude of teachers, and educational qualification of teacher topping the list. In conclusion, play and learning materials are essential for preschool children's development. They help children learn engagingly, promote creativity and problem-solving skills, and provide opportunities to explore, learn, and grow. However, the level of play and learning materials is different than expected. It can create a disparity in the quality of education that children receive. To address this issue, increased funding for preschool programs, provision of training for preschool teachers on using play and learning materials effectively, and awareness creation about the importance of play and learning materials should be in place