WHAT: a research presentation by Prof Nicholas Bowman from the University of Iowa, USA,
TITLE: Improving STEM Outcomes for Postsecondary Students who Speak English as a Second Language: The Impact of a Social-Belonging Intervention
ABSTRACT: In the United States and other countries, substantial group disparities exist in terms of which university students study science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and ultimately receive a degree in these fields. Various efforts have attempted to improve the STEM outcomes of underrepresented groups, most notably women and racial minority students. However, very little research has explored the outcomes of postsecondary students who speak English as a second language (ESL). ESL students in the U.S. are underserved and underrepresented in STEM fields, and they likely face substantial psychological barriers within STEM learning environments. Therefore, the present study examined the impact of a social-belonging intervention on ESL students who were interested in pursuing a STEM degree. Specifically, it examined data from a large-scale study of over 12,000 STEM-interested students at 19 U.S. universities. The findings indicated positive effects of this belonging intervention on ESL students’ STEM GPA, STEM credits earned, and proportion of STEM credits obtained successfully; these relationships were generally larger among ESL students than non-ESL students. This work provides evidence for the benefits of psychological interventions for students whose marginalized identity is often overlooked.
WHEN: Wednesday 10th July, 2019, 12.30-1.30 (Note change of time)
WHERE: Keats Reading Room AVLG17, Aviation Building, Callaghan (Video link to Ourimbah Meeting room, Science Offices; Zoom link:: https://uonewcastle.zoom.us/s/979950681 ZoomID: 979950681
BIO: Nicholas A. Bowman is a professor of higher education and student affairs as well as the director of the Center for Research on Undergraduate Education at the University of Iowa. His research uses a social psychological lens to explore key issues in postsecondary education, including student success, diversity, admissions, rankings, and research methodology. His work has appeared in over 80 journal articles in education, psychology, and sociology. He is also a co-author of the third volume of How College Affects Students, which systematically reviewed over 1,800 studies on the short-term and long-term effects of undergraduate education. Professor Bowman is currently an associate editor of Journal of Higher Education and Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research.
Tor more information on Prof Bowmanm see: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicholas_Bowman4
To make contact with Prof Bowman, email: Mark.Rubin@newcastle.edu.au
