Annie Murphy Paul writes in Time that "America needs more geeks." She believes that relieving the short-fall of STEM professionals "begins with persuading students that scientists are people, too" rather than un-approachable, labcoat-wearing, beaker-toting folks who speak in an unintelligible language. Paul cites various studies regarding making STEM subjects more approachable, as well as the learning process scientists use, and the relationship to engagement and achievement by students. http://ideas.time.com/2011/12/21/america-needs-more-geeks-how-to-make-science-cool/?xid=gonewsedit To assist with the "humanization" of scientists, NOVA has an award-winning program, available on-line, called "The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers" which profiles professionals and has blog entries catering to students. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/secretlife/.
In a related story in the Washington Post's Ideas@Innovation blog, Emi Kolawole notes that attracting students to STEM fields had similar roadblocks in the late 1940's and early 1950's. As a result, GE began printing comic books with titles such as "Adventures in Jet Power," Adventures Inside the Atom," and "Adventures in Electricity." Parents expressed some displeasure, similar to efforts using video games to entice today's students. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/post/teaching-stem-from-comic-books-to-video-games/2011/12/20/gIQAF6jF9O_blog.html
In a related story in the Washington Post's Ideas@Innovation blog, Emi Kolawole notes that attracting students to STEM fields had similar roadblocks in the late 1940's and early 1950's. As a result, GE began printing comic books with titles such as "Adventures in Jet Power," Adventures Inside the Atom," and "Adventures in Electricity." Parents expressed some displeasure, similar to efforts using video games to entice today's students. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/post/teaching-stem-from-comic-books-to-video-games/2011/12/20/gIQAF6jF9O_blog.html
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