Name: Equity in Informal STEM Learning: Using the Equity Compass
Rating: 4.96774 (31 reviews)

Understand the importance of equity in STEM learning

There are ongoing inequalities in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sector, which has traditionally excluded people from minoritised communities.

This three-week course will help you reflect on and develop equitable and inclusive practice, to ensure that your organisation can effectively support diverse young people’s engagement with STEM.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of equity issues, the factors influencing inequalities in STEM and what to do about it. By the end, you’ll have created a plan of action to make your practice more equitable and inclusive.

You’ll be introduced to the Equity Compass – a practical, evidence-based tool that supports equitable practice – and learn how and why you could use it.

Using the Equity Compass framework, you’ll reflect on and develop your practice. Through case studies from informal STEM learning settings, reflective questions, and discussions, you’ll learn how to plan activities that are equitable and support all young people, particularly those from minoritised communities.

Learn from the specialists at University College London

Guided by the experts in informal STEM learning and equitable practice at the University College London (UCL), you’ll develop the knowledge to promote equity in informal STEM learning settings.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to take your skills into your own STEM learning environment.

Syllabus

Week 1
Equity in informal STEM learning
- Welcome to the course
  Find out more about the course, who you will be learning with and what you can expect from the next three weeks.
- Why focus on equity in STEM?
  An introduction to the issue of inequalities in STEM participation and the key factors which influence engagement in informal STEM learning.
- Inequitable experiences
  Follow the example of Phil and Nikki’s coding workshop to see how inequitable practices can compromise participant experiences.
- Introducing the Equity Compass
  Overview of the Equity Compass framework, how it was developed, and who can use it.
Week 2
Reflecting on practice
- Welcome to Week 2
  Welcome to Week 2 of Equity in Informal STEM Learning: Using the Equity Compass!
- Challenging the status quo
  Transforming power relations, prioritising minoritised communities, and redistributing resources. These are the three equity dimensions of the first Equity Compass area.
- Working with and valuing minoritised communities
  Participatory working - with and taking an asset-based approach are the two equity dimensions of the second Equity Compass area.
- Embedding equity
  Equity is mainstreamed - the equity dimension of the third Equity Compass area embedding equity.
- Extending equity
  Long term and community/society orientation are the final two equity dimensions, relating to the fourth Equity Compass area.
Week 3
Developing equitable practice
- Welcome to Week 3
  Welcome to Week 3 of Equity in Informal STEM Learning: Using the Equity Compass!
- Mapping and developing Dr Bridges’ practice
  Bringing the eight Equity Compass dimensions together.
- Small steps can make a difference
  Thinking further about how to develop more equitable informal STEM learning practice, starting with small steps.
- Using the Equity Compass in your practice
  Use the Equity Compass to think about and plan your own work.
- Taking the Equity Compass forward
  The Equity Compass is a tool for supporting socially just practice and now you know how to use it.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Describe key factors influencing inequalities in STEM participation and informal STEM learning
Explain the difference between equality, equity, social justice
Describe the components of the Equity Compass
Apply the Equity Compass to examples from informal STEM learning
Identify weak and strong examples of equitable practice
Reflect on and develop your own practice using the Equity Compass

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for informal STEM learning practitioners working in out-of-school organisations and roles such as science museums and centres, zoos, STEM clubs, festivals, community organisations and makerspaces.

The course is particularly relevant to informal STEM learning practitioners working in education roles, such as planning and delivering education programmes. The course will also benefit informal STEM learning practitioners working in other roles, such as exhibition design and management, as well as those working to support young people to engage with STEM outside informal STEM learning, such as teachers, funders, and policy makers.

Who will you learn with?

Spela Godec

My work focuses on inequalities in education and equitable practices. I am a Senior Research Fellow at IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society and a freelance consultant and evaluator.

Louise Archer

My research focuses on educational identities, inequalities and equitable participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). I'm a professor of sociology of education at UCL.

Emily Dawson

I research science & society relationships with a social justice lens, with a focus on science learning, communication & engagement. I'm an Associate Professor in Science & Technology Studies at UCL.

Who developed the course?

UCL (University College London)

UCL was founded in 1826. It was the first English university established after Oxford and Cambridge, and the first to open up university education to those previously excluded from it.

What's included?

UCL (University College London) are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

Unlimited access to this course

Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes

A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible

Learning on FutureLearn

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Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

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Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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