Designed by Navya Chawla
Mathematics
Her problem-solving theorems helped pave the way for women in mathematics
August 14, 2017
Cathleen S. Morawetz, whose achievements in mathematics found widespread practical use, helped open her profession to other women and made her the first female mathematician to receive the National Medal of Science, died Aug. 8 at her home in New York. She was 94.
Women who are elite mathematicians are less likely than men to believe they’re elite mathematicians
August 07, 2017
Young women, including women who are exceptionally talented in math, tend to underestimate their ability.
That lack of confidence likely pushes some of the field’s best minds to pursue other avenues. After all, even if someone has elite skills, if she doesn’t believe herself to be a talented mathematician, she’s unlikely to pursue a STEM education and subsequent career.
How can teachers encourage more girls to study mathematics?
August 29, 2017
What does this mean for the uptake of A-level maths among girls? At present, 65% of boys who get As in GCSE maths choose to take it at A-level, while only 43% of girls do so. Of all students, 39% of maths candidates, and just 27% of further maths candidates, are female. Students are often unaware that top universities require double maths (maths and further maths) at A-level for maths, physics, computer science or engineering degrees, so this has negative consequences for their participation in Stem courses and careers.