Discussion Boards as a Pedagogical Tool to Raise Consciousness and Disrupt Whiteness

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: Transformative Pedagogy: Disrupting Comfort and Advancing Equity in the Teacher Education Classroom

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine discussion board content and racial consciousness survey response differences between “Instruction-as-Usual” and “Disrupting Whiteness” groups of preservice educators enrolled in an assessment course. Students were randomly assigned to one of the groups and asked to complete pre- and post-course surveys. Discussion board questions for the Disrupting group addressed systemic racism in general and particular to educational assessments. With a mixed methods design, we used grounded theory to crystalize emergent themes targeted at illuminating themes among the groups. Further, we conducted descriptive analyses and exploratory factor analysis of survey data. Results demonstrate group differences and provide clear support for intentional design of discussion board questions in asking students to interrogate systemic racism.

Authors

• Nathaniel D Stewart, The Ohio State University

• Yvonne L. Goddard, The Ohio State University - Columbus