This is a very complex and difficult problem to deal with. Young women are simultaneously coping with adjusting to the social pressures of gender roles and succeeding in a male-oriented, male dominated field. In general women do not find competition a meaningful way to receive feedback on their level of understanding. Women often feel they have to work harder than their male peers to achieve the same level of recognition. They encounter attitudes that range from obviousness to hostility among their peers and their professors.
Women also arrive on our campuses hoping to establish a personal relationship with faculty.
We know that discrepancies between learning and teaching styles are a source of conflict, frustration, and discouragement for both students and faculty. Sheila Tobias in 1990, provided some of the clearest data to document the consequences of this incongruity. Another example of increasing the participation and success of women is Purdue University's Women in Engineering Program. Clearly, there are a variety of effective methods to support, mentor, and encourage young scientists. Below we provide a short reading list for those wishing to pursue these topics further.