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Understanding Differences in Underrepresented Minorities and First-Generation Student Perceptions in the Introductory
Jacob Jantzer1, Thomas Kirkman2, Katherine L Furniss3
1Department of Gender Studies, College of Saint Benedict, St Joseph, Minnesota, USA.
Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
|November 22, 2021
Summary
Underrepresented minority and first-generation students in introductory biology courses report lower belonging and higher exclusion. This can contribute to disparities in grades and STEM attrition.
Area of Science:
- Biology Education
- Sociology of Education
- Higher Education Studies
Background:
- Introductory biology courses are critical for STEM pipelines.
- Disparities in STEM fields persist, particularly for underrepresented minority (URM) and first-generation (FG) students.
- Understanding student perceptions is key to addressing these disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate student perceptions in an introductory biology course at a primarily white institution (PWI).
- To specifically examine the experiences of URM and FG students regarding belonging and treatment.
- To identify potential links between student perceptions and academic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of pre/post surveys administered to students in Biology 101.
- Surveys assessed student attitudes towards professors, classmates, and the course.
- Focus on differential experiences of URM and FG students.
Main Results:
- URM and FG students reported a decreased sense of belonging in Biology 101.
- These students perceived greater exclusion and differential treatment based on race.
- Findings correlate with existing disparities in course grades and STEM attrition.
Conclusions:
- Student perceptions of exclusion and differential treatment negatively impact URM and FG students' sense of belonging.
- These perceptions are a significant factor contributing to academic performance gaps and STEM attrition.
- Interventions addressing inclusivity are crucial for improving outcomes for diverse student populations in STEM.
Keywords:
attitudedisparitiesfirst-generationintroductory biologykindness cuesperceptionstereotype threatsurveyunderrepresented minoritiesMore Related Videos
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