Then, ask questions of the groups, rather than of individuals. Assign grades using a fixed criterion rather than a curve to encourage student cooperation. Be aware of the way in which your own behavior is affe cting students. Comments, humor, and behavior that might be interpreted as sexist or flirtatious should clearly be avoided. Lack of self-confidence can affect the capacity of women to perform to the best of their abilities.
Faculty can play an important role in increasing the self-confidence of women students.
Recognize individual academic accomplishments. For example, send congratulatory notes to students who receive academic awards or do well on exams. Let students know you care about them by greeting them outside the classroom and inquiring abo ut their academic progress and future plans. Encourage students to tutor others and to hold leadership positions in extracurricular activities as ways of increasing their confidence. Highlight the achievements of women in your discipline.