addressing stereotype threat in the classroom 2012 ta training
TRANSCRIPT
Addressing Stereotype Threat in the Classroom
2012 TA training
Take home message
Understanding stereotype threat and wise criticism is essential for being an effective teacher in a diverse class/lab
See handout for more information
What are stereotype threat and wise criticism?
Stereotype threat is the perceived risk of confirming a negative stereotype.
Stereotype threat can cause underperformance
Stereotype threat can lead to the belief that one is being judged unfairly
Everyone can be a victim of stereotype threat
Everyone has stereotypes
Wise Criticism – Criticism where you explicitly let the student know they are capable of a higher level of achievement.
Wise criticism mitigate the effects of stereotype threat
Stereotype threat leads to underperformance
Study described by Dr. Claude Steele “Whistling Vivaldi and Other Clues to How Stereotypes Affect Us”
Stereotype threat leads to underperformance
Group of female and under-represented minority (URM) students with high
SAT math scores
give them same math examRemind group Aof race or gender before taking exam
Tell group Bthat exam has no gender or race bias
Underperformancecompared to controlgroup
Same performancecompared to controlgroup
Claude Steele
Stereotype threat leads to feelings of being judged unfairly
Kleck & Strenta 1980
Exercise
Recall a time that you felt judged by some for a superficial characteristic
or when you worried about confirming a negative stereotype
Who can be a victim of stereotype threat?
Studies show that the STRONGEST students are often the most affected.
A top reputation can lead to Imposter syndrome.
Everyone!
Laursen, Lucas (15 February 2008). Science Careers.
Who can be a victim of stereotype threat?
Everyone! Stereotype threat goes beyond race and gender.
Who can be a victim of stereotype threat?Everyone!
Identical CV with male name or female name
name
Which candidate is better?
Who has stereotypes?
Counteracting Stereotype Threat
Use wise criticism to create trust
Definition of Wise criticism—criticism in which you explicitly tell the student that you think they are capable of attaining a high level of success and achievement—helps students feel less defensive and less threatened.
For more information: see "But I Don't Like Beer"
Exercise
Share an example of a time when you were given “constructive” criticism in a negative way. How did this affect your performance? Propose a “wise” way to phrase it.
Or
Share an example of a time when you were given wise criticism that helped you reach a higher level of achievement.
Counteracting Stereotype Threat
Giving no feedback
Counteracting Stereotype Threat
Counteracting Stereotype Threat
An informal surveyHow do you know that you are good enough to apply for faculty positions?
“If my advisor doesn’t say I’m good enough for a particular position, I assume that I must not be qualified.”
“Unless my advisor tells me not to apply, I assume that I’m qualified.”
Remember
Nice ≠ unwarranted praise
wise criticism ≠ praise
wise criticism = criticism
Exercise
What are some effective strategies for praising your students (when deserved). How did your teachers / advisor(s) praise (or reward) you?
praise
CHEMICALLABORATORY