Unlocking STEM for all students: Join our new research project
The key to a more innovative, equitable Australian STEM workforce starts in the classroom. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are shaping the future and are evolving at an incredible pace. However, many Australian students miss out on the opportunities of STEM pathways before they've even had the chance to explore them.
Are you a school leader or teacher in any state or territory? Join our new research project to make a difference in STEM education - complete our registration of interest form.
About the Project
CSER’s Academic Research Team is thrilled to announce the launch of a new national research project, funded by Education Services Australia (ESA), focused on diversity and inclusion in STEM education in Australian schools, led by Dr Rebecca Vivian with Jaclyn Steffan, Toni Falusi and Prof Katrina Falkner. The team are seeking schools (primary and secondary) from across Australia (government and non-government) to participate.
This project evaluates the effectiveness of the ESA's newly updated Get into STEM: Diversity in STEM Toolkit: a set of resources designed to improve the engagement, confidence, and career aspirations of underrepresented students in STEM (Foundation to Year 12). The research will explore how teachers use these resources, how they influence teaching practice and mindset, and how they shape students' attitudes toward STEM subjects and careers.
The project will also investigate whether embedding the 8 Principles for inclusive STEM education can help teachers build more inclusive classrooms that genuinely support all learners, not just those who already feel they belong in STEM.
Why is this research important?
Only 37% of university STEM enrolments are from women, and women represent just 15% of all people working in STEM jobs. First Nations people make up just 1% of university STEM enrolments, and people from regional locations and low socio-economic areas are also consistently underrepresented in STEM. Students' perceptions and sense of belonging in STEM start to form from the first year of school, and that's where schools and teachers can make a difference. These are not gaps we can afford to ignore if we want future innovation with STEM solutions to reflect our diverse society.
What's involved for your school?
By participating, your school will receive:
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Free professional development: your staff will be upskilled in the Get into STEM: Diversity in STEM Toolkit and the 8 Principles for inclusive STEM education
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Research-backed insights into your own teaching practices and student attitudes
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A chance to contribute to national knowledge about equitable STEM education
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A $200 gift voucher (Supply Nation company) for schools completing the project
Participation involves teacher and student surveys and focus groups to measure changes over the course of the project. Student activities are customised to suit the ages and needs of students. Schools will work with CSER Researcher to identify areas they would like to target for improvement. You can find out more about what is involved in the Participant Information Form on the Registration of Interest Page.
This research is not assessing teacher or school performance in STEM; it is about evaluating the effectiveness of diversity in STEM resources to support teachers to drive change in their classrooms. All data collected about schools and participants will be de-identified and reported anonymously.
How to get involved
We would love your school to be part of this project. If you are interested, please read the information participant sheet and complete the online registration of interest form. If you have questions about the research, please reach out directly to the lead researcher, Dr Rebecca Vivian at rebecca.vivian@adelaide.edu.au
This project has been approved by the Iris Ethics Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number AU5264). If you have any ethical concerns or questions about your rights as a participant, please contact the Executive Officer of the Committee (available on the Participant Information Form).
Together, we can help every student see themselves in STEM and build the inclusive classrooms that make that possible. We look forward to working with you.
- Dr Rebecca Vivian
--> Download the Get into STEM Flyer to share with school leadership or colleagues.
The ‘Get into STEM: Diversity in STEM Toolkit’ is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources. This research project has been funded by Education Services Australia Ltd, unless otherwise indicated.
This research has been approved by Iris Ethics Human Research Ethics Committee: Approval Number AU5264