Stereotype Threat and Recommendations for Overcoming It

A Teaching Case Study

By Robert W. Grossman, Selena Kim, Siu-Lu Tan, Thomas E. Ford

Abstract

This case study uses an example of racism experienced by a Korean American student to explore the concept of stereotype threat and its impact on college classrooms and student performance. The case was designed for use with college faculty in teach training workshop as well as with psychology students. The case also might be useful for education students.

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Date Posted

10/29/2008

Overview

Objectives

Think about the effect of stereotypes and how they may operate on college campuses to lower students' academic performance.
Increase understanding of ways in which faculty can counteract the effects of stereotypes.
Generate discussion about stereotypes that affect Asian-Americans, specifically, but also more generally other students who might experience the effects of negative stereotyping.

Keywords

Stereotypes; stereotyping; stereotype threat; spotlight anxiety; attributional ambiguity; racism; prejudice; cultural diversity; mentoring; higher education; Korean Americans; African Americans; Asian Americans

Subject Headings

Psychology

Sociology

Teacher Education

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Graduate, Continuing education, Faculty development

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion, Interrupted