tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post6464796819794065233..comments2024-03-18T10:53:56.597-05:00Comments on Youth Development Insight: Do we need to sugarcoat engineering?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post-22667074877702446202014-01-28T04:20:52.000-06:002014-01-28T04:20:52.000-06:00Thank you Margo. I enjoy your comment. We provide ...Thank you Margo. I enjoy your comment. We provide an environment and let them try and feel it.<br>Hui-Hui Wangnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post-2587962072736949182014-01-28T03:35:48.000-06:002014-01-28T03:35:48.000-06:00Hui Hui,I think you and Anne expose an interesting...Hui Hui,<br>I think you and Anne expose an interesting dichotomy in our society.<br>In the 4-H judging world where we compare against a standard with the Danish judging system, it feels like we are often having to coddle the overprotective parents by giving our youth a blue ribbon when it is not justified (or face the parents wrath and worry about a public relations nightmare) - their children must be recognized as perfect all the time.<br>In our school systems I hear teachers complaining about having to "teach to the standards" or "teach to the tests". And I've worked with students who have said "I can't do science" and "I'm no good at science" - yet these students can explain DNA fingerprinting and gel electrophoresis (although they might not use those terms).<br>So, to address Hui Hui's question "Do we need to sugarcoat engineering to get kids interested?" - I don't think we need to sugarcoat it, but I think we need to let them TRY the applied math and science in engineering and let them decide for themselves whether they are good at (or be motivated to improve in) math and science, rather than letting schools or parents (or other external forces) dictate their talents. And for some youth, that might be appealing to their creative (and change the world) side before appealing to their analytical side.<br>Margo Bowermannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post-64480201901445049142014-01-22T04:02:48.000-06:002014-01-22T04:02:48.000-06:00Thank you Anne.I agree with you. Yet, I do think b...Thank you Anne.<br>I agree with you. Yet, I do think besides engage youth, we also need to prepare youth to get into engineering field, which we also emphasize the importance of science and math. :)<br>Hui-Hui Wangnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post-42253459754213904302014-01-17T07:37:52.000-06:002014-01-17T07:37:52.000-06:00Very thought provoking, Hui Hui! I think there is...Very thought provoking, Hui Hui! I think there is an important distinction between "marketing" engineering to get young people to even think about what it is and what it can do, and adults being clear with young people about what it takes to pursue a career in this field. The first gets people interested or curious--once they are curious they will want to know more! I also think it is critical we take the "growth mindset" view (Carol Dweck's work) vs. the "fixed mindset"--encouraging young people that they CAN learn and do hard math and science coursework--that we all can increase our intelligence, learn from mistakes, and move to mastery. I think it's important we don't use the language of "you have to be good at something" to pursue an engineering career. I think it's critical we stress things like hard work, perseverance, and supports that can assist a young person in pursuit of their career aspirations!<br>the idea that engineers help shape or improve the world is a great message, especially for middle school age youth, who at that age have a strong interest in "saving the world" or making a contribution!<br>Anne Stevensonnoreply@blogger.com