Successful transitions enrich the student experience whether the transition is from elementary to secondary school, secondary to tertiary education, or tertiary to the work force or academia. Why is it that females (which studies show have equal ability to males) are not transitioning into STEM fields at similar rates? This CMS speciality program at Queen’s University is designed to motivate and engage this underrepresented demographic. This talk looks at the design of sessions that are low floor high ceiling, experiential, more collaborative (and less competitive) that lead to a growth mindset; relieving math anxiety; and connecting mathematics to current careers, the arts and real world applications —all the while building community.

Bio:

Siobhain Broekhoven is an Intermediate-Senior math, physics and Special Education Specialist with Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, currently working with youth at risk. She is also the developer and director of Math Quest, Queen’s Math Camp for Girls, a summer program of the Department of Math and Stats at Queen’s University, sponsored by the Canadian Math Society. The program runs for a week in August each summer. Her interests lie in helping students to build resilience and develop a growth mindset.