ERIC Number: EJ1324722
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Dec
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1931-7913
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Diversity Interventions in the Classroom: From Resistance to Action
Thoman, Dustin B.; Yap, Melo-Jean; Herrera, Felisha A.; Smith, Jessi L.
CBE - Life Sciences Education, v20 n4 Article 52 Dec 2021
What goes into faculty decisions to adopt a classroom intervention that closes achievement gaps? We present a theoretical model for understanding possible resistance to and support for implementing and sustaining a diversity-enhancing classroom intervention. We propose, examine, and refine a "diversity interventions--resistance to action" model with four key inputs that help explain faculty's decision to implement (or not) an evidence-based intervention: (1) notice that underrepresentation is a problem; (2) interpret underrepresentation as needing immediate action; (3) assume responsibility; and (4) know how to help. Using an embedded mixed-methods design, we worked with a sample of 40 biology faculty from across the United States who participated in in-depth, semistructured, qualitative interviews and surveys. Survey results offer initial support for the model, showing that the inputs are associated with faculty's perceived value of and implementation intentions for a diversity-enhancing classroom intervention. Findings from qualitative narratives provide rich contextual information that illuminates how faculty think about diversity and classroom interventions. The diversity interventions--resistance to action model highlights the explicit role of faculty as systemic gatekeepers in field-wide efforts to diversify biology education, and findings point to strategies for overcoming different aspects of faculty resistance in order to scale up diversity-enhancing classroom interventions.
Descriptors: Diversity, Intervention, Resistance (Psychology), Teacher Attitudes, Disproportionate Representation, College Faculty, Biology, Evidence Based Practice
American Society for Cell Biology. 8120 Woodmont Avenue Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20814-2762. Tel: 301-347-9300; Fax: 301-347-9310; e-mail: ascbinfo@ascb.org; Website: http://www.ascb.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Human Resource Development (HRD)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1759947
Author Affiliations: N/A