Abstract:

PISA (the acronym for Programme for the International Student Assessment) is a well-known survey that aims to assess 15-year-old students mainly in their reading, mathematics and science skills (within OECD countries).

On the 5th of December 2023, the results of the tests performed in 2022 were announced.

As far as Italian results are concerned, a negative record was outlined: the largest gender gap in mathematics. The gender gap is a well-known problem, which has also emerged from other surveys (such as TIMSS) and affects other countries too. Italian stakeholders are continuously taking relevant actions. Since 2022, the University of Milan Bicocca (Milan, Italy) has launched a project called Science Ambassadors.

With a view to orientation, this project aims to offer high school classes the opportunity to meet PhD students from the Milano Bicocca University in the STEM field, in a series of sessions in which young female scientists talk about their experience, research and career perspectives.

The involvement of female scientists alone is motivated by the idea of increasing interest in STEM also among female students, deconstructing stereotypes and providing role models that can inspire female students' university choices. The project is based on some ambitious assumptions:
- High school students should be provided with exciting, high-quality STEM activities that include real-world problems and engage students' curiosity, motivation and sense of belonging;
- Teachers (who want to) are supported by continuous professional learning integrated into their work;
- The school system can implement the most essential practices, protocols and changes to support effective, gender-oriented and gender-attractive STEM education.

An interdisciplinary STEM approach was used, with formal and non-formal actions, and the results of the first two years of activities, including interest and motivation questionnaires, will be presented.

Keywords:

STEM education, gender gap, role models, high quality education.