Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Women of Color
@Toshia11
Natoshia Whaley Anderson
Title: Director of STEM Initiatives at Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Research Topic: An Analysis of Gifted African American Middle School Girls’ Achievement in Mathematics and Science Classes
Institution: University of Phoenix
Committee Chair: Tamara Anderson, Ph.D.
Abstract: The problem examined in this descriptive qualitative study was the lack of awareness of the factors that can lead to the underachievement of gifted black girls in mathematics and science classes. African American gifted girls are underachieving in mathematics and science classes. These girls have unique issues to overcome inside the classroom in order to succeed in mathematics and science classes. The purpose of the study was to explore that perception of the gifted education teachers about the underachievement of black female students in mathematics and science classes. The study also explored the potential relationship between teacher perception and African American gifted female achievement. Two focus groups were conducted and four themes were established from the discussions. The themes included subgroup of friends/life balance 2) pressure ( family and peer), 3) student-teacher relationship, and 4) creating a positive environment of learning for the African American gifted girl. Recommendations for parents, educators and administrators include 1) provide parents with accurate information about gifted children, 2) educators and administrators should assume personal responsibility to encourage the girls in mathematics and science classes 3) create a comfortable and comforting environment for the gifted girl 4) provide the gifted girl with female role models and mentors and 5) provide professional development opportunities so that teachers can continue to give these girls the best that is available.
Click the link below to download Dr. Natoshia Anderson's research
Title: Director of STEM Initiatives at Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Research Topic: An Analysis of Gifted African American Middle School Girls’ Achievement in Mathematics and Science Classes
Institution: University of Phoenix
Committee Chair: Tamara Anderson, Ph.D.
Abstract: The problem examined in this descriptive qualitative study was the lack of awareness of the factors that can lead to the underachievement of gifted black girls in mathematics and science classes. African American gifted girls are underachieving in mathematics and science classes. These girls have unique issues to overcome inside the classroom in order to succeed in mathematics and science classes. The purpose of the study was to explore that perception of the gifted education teachers about the underachievement of black female students in mathematics and science classes. The study also explored the potential relationship between teacher perception and African American gifted female achievement. Two focus groups were conducted and four themes were established from the discussions. The themes included subgroup of friends/life balance 2) pressure ( family and peer), 3) student-teacher relationship, and 4) creating a positive environment of learning for the African American gifted girl. Recommendations for parents, educators and administrators include 1) provide parents with accurate information about gifted children, 2) educators and administrators should assume personal responsibility to encourage the girls in mathematics and science classes 3) create a comfortable and comforting environment for the gifted girl 4) provide the gifted girl with female role models and mentors and 5) provide professional development opportunities so that teachers can continue to give these girls the best that is available.
Click the link below to download Dr. Natoshia Anderson's research
| natoshia_dissertation.pdf |