STEM Faculty Perceptions of Successful Students: Uncovering the Invisible Barriers

• In Event: 67.070 - Sheraton Roundtable 14 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 67.070-3 - STEM Faculty

Abstract

In this exploratory study we critically analyzed faculty conceptions of successful students in STEM undergraduate courses. Faculty conceptions were based predominantly on actions perceived by faculty as student engagement, requiring almost total student agency and very little of educators. Many of these actions (e.g. coming to office hours) are potentially not obvious to students as faculty expectations. We consider implications for teaching and assessment practices and contend that the potentially hidden expectations of faculty may present as additional invisible barriers that may further marginalize some student groups in STEM. We offer recommendations to help faculty recognize how their expectations regarding successful students may be fostering invisible barriers, and how to transform STEM educational environments to be more inclusive.

Authors

• Cindy A Lenhart, Oregon State University

• Jana Bouwma-Gearhart, Oregon State University