Examining Engagement in Diverse Learning Environments Between Native-Born and Foreign-Born Students of Color in STEM

• In Event: 75.033 - Factors Affecting Diverse Students in STEM

Abstract

As college campuses continue to actively recruit international students and students who are racial minorities into STEM programs, students of color from the United States and from abroad will increasingly share STEM classrooms. This qualitative study examines peer engagement in diverse learning environments between native-born and foreign-born students of color in STEM. Overall students expressed having positive cross-cultural engagement and interactions. Students reported a number of perceptions of their experiences working with diverse peers with two major themes cutting across their encounters: 1) Perceptions and assumptions about academic work habits and 2) Cross-cultural classroom interactions and learning.

Authors

• Chrystal George Mwangi, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Sharon L. Fries-Britt, University of Maryland

• Alicia M. Peralta, University of Maryland - College Park

• Nina Daoud, University of Maryland - College Park