The Virtual Shift: Examining Teacher Perceptions of Social Reproduction in Virtual Classrooms (Poster 21)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Ten
  In Poster Session: Online Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Social reproduction theory posits that “schools are not institutions of equal opportunity but mechanisms for perpetuating social inequalities” (Collins, 2009, p. 33). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore teacher perceptions of their pedagogical practices during virtual learning and the role that those practices play in social reproduction. Nine high school teachers were interviewed to explore their own perceptions of how their virtual teaching practices helped to dismantle or exacerbate social reproduction in virtual classrooms. Findings indicated that there were clear delineations between practices with low and high income students, with the teachers indicating that they intentionally lowered their standards for low socioeconomic students while providing expanded learning opportunities for high socioeconomic students.

Authors

• Maurice Mathis, North Carolina State University
  Presenting Author

• Theodore S. Kaniuka, Fayetteville State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Chuck Tryon, Fayetteville State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Miriam Chitiga
  Non-Presenting Author

• Terrence McAllister, Fayetteville State University
  Non-Presenting Author