STEM Pathways

3. Communication, cooperation & tackling stereotypes

Module rationale

This module focuses on strengthening parents’ communication and cooperation practices, while raising awareness about gender stereotypes in STEM. It recognises that parents play a pivotal role, influencing their daughters’ confidence, motivation and persistence in STEM fields, as well as, contributing, even without knowing, to gender stereotypes.

Purpose of the module:

  • to promote positive communication supporting inquiry-based learning
  • encourage cooperation between parents and daughters in STEM related activities
  • increase awareness of gender stereotypes and how they affect girls’ confidence

Learning Objectives

After completing this module, parents will be able to:

  • Encourage open dialogue and cooperation with their daughters
  • Use positive and supportive language that strengthens confidence and curiosity around learning
  • Recognise and challenge gender stereotypes that may limit girls’ participation in STEM
  • Share female role models from STEM fields.

References

Awoniyi, O. A., & Jokotagba, O. (2025). Parental influence, career counselling and role models in girls’ STEM career choices: Evidence from three public universities in Ghana. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392411834

I’m the Chef Too (2025). Hands-on STEM Activities for Kids: Spark Curiosity At Home

National Girls Collaborative Project (2022). 5 Ways to Counter STEM Stereotypes in Children and Youth.

Nurturing Skills (2017). STEM: Supporting young children’s learning rexperiences.

UNESCO (2017). Cracking the code: girls’ and women’s education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

UNICEF. (2022). How to Communicate Effectively with Your Young Child.

Aditional Resources

Picture Books to Break Stereotypes in STEM

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