Reducing Stereotype Threat in the Classroom

According to Dr. Claude Steele, stereotype threat refers to situations where people are "at risk of confirming, as self-characteristic, a negative stereotype about one's group." For example, if a student identifies as part of a group that is unfairly stereotyped as being "bad at math," a math test would be a high stereotype threat situation.

Research has shown that stereotype threat produces a physical stress response that affects people's working memory. This creates disadvantages for members of negatively stereotyped groups, especially groups that are unfairly stereotyped as having lower academic abilities.

This workshop will explain in more detail what stereotype threat is, and how it creates unfair disadvantages for many disproportionately impacted student groups. We will discuss taking responsibility for the levels of stereotype threat in our classrooms, and strategies to reduce the negative effects of stereotype threat through changes to instruction and assessment practices.

Flex Credit

Flex credit is available for this event. Event Code 210815.

Audience

Faculty. All are welcome.

Presenter

Katie Carbary
Professor, Psychology

ADA Accessibility

For ADA accessibility accommodations, please contact David Lockwood at LockwoD@scc.losrios.edu. Contact David for disability accommodations only. For general inquiries, please use the contact information listed above.