8/6/2019 Understanding and Strategizing for Stereotype Threat

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Compiled from:

Whistling Vivaldi and Other Clues to HowStereotypes Affect Us

By Claude Steele

Understanding and Strategizing for

Stereotype Threat

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What is Stereotype Threat?

y The threat of being viewed through the lens

of a negative stereotype, or the fear of doing

something that would inadvertently confirmthat stereotype. (Steele, 1999)

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What it means.

The simple

threat you may

be stereotyped

can depressyour academic

performance.

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Stereotype threat can be triggered by your general

awareness of the stereotype.

Doesnt value

education

Lazy

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You dont have to believe the

stereotype for it to affect you

In fact, the

more you

care, the

more likely

you are to

be affected

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Stereotype threat can happen to

anyone who is affected by or awareof a stereotype about their group in

any given situation.

Im the only Asian on the

basketball team.

Why wont anyone sit

next to me on the

first day of class?

Why dont we talk

about disability in

this diversity class?

I dont want to talk

about sexual

orientation because I

might be seen as

homophobic.

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Environmental cues can trigger stereotype

threat; these cues can be features integrated

into the situation (institutionalized).

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CUES:

y Critical mass

y People in authority

y

Curriculumy Physical layout/signs/art

y How diversity is handled or treated by institution

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Stereotype threat can cause you to

behave in ways that hinder you

yOver-efforting

y Self-suppression

yAvoidance ofhelp-seeking

yDisengagement

yAvoidance of challenge

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What can we do?

y Institution:

y Pay attention to cues: efforts toward diversity of

faculty/staff; campus appearance and climate, public statements

affirming diversity as a value

y Handle bias effectively

y Validate students experiences

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Pay attention to cues!

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What can we do?

yCommit to improving your cultural competency

yOpenly demonstrate your value for diversity

yChallenge stereotypes

y Evaluate your curriculum for representation and biasy Structure seating arrangements and group work

formation

y Facilitate and teach the value of study groups; help

study groups form

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What can we do?Teach and reinforce these messages:

yIntelligence is malleable and

grows over time.yEffort is more important than

perceived natural talent. (bust

myth of smart and not smart.)

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What can we do?

yTeach that academic struggles are normal

and happen to everyone (help structure

diverse and supportive study groups)y Encourage participation in out of class events with

diverse participants

yHelp students find academic support networks

yMentor

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What can we do?

y Teach self-affirmation

y Revisit and reflect on values statements, strengths and goals as a

regular practice

y Practice wise schooling (Beverly DanielTatum)

y High expectations, highhelp

y Feedback that validates potential, not empty praise

y Build relationships.

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