Addressing STEM Learning Environments to Increase Underrepresented Students' Persistence: A Critical Review of the Literature

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Current Research in Learning Environments

Abstract

The demand has never been greater for producing the next generation of STEM scholars. However, the United States has lagged behind in the production of STEM students, particularly students from underrepresented (URM) backgrounds such as Latino and Black. This critical literature review provides a greater understanding of URM STEM students experiences within R1 institutional context in order to understand retention and persistence of URM STEM students in a highly selective university. The methodology is an expansive critical literature review which synthesizes the literature on URM students’ experiences and persistence in the STEM fields. Findings reveal four themes and paper includes discussion on the key role of learning environments, institutional context and racial climate in STEM research.

Author

• Katherine Arias Garcia, University of California - San Diego