Diagnosing the Learning Environment for Diverse Students in Introductory Economics: An Analysis of Relevance, Belonging, and Growth Mindsets
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 110,
May 2020
(pp. 294-98)
Abstract
Using administrative and survey data, we diagnose the learning environment in an introductory economics course. Relative to men from overrepresented groups, women and underrepresented minority students finish the course reporting significantly lower measures of relevance, belonging, and growth mindsets, factors related to college success. For example, they are less likely to agree that their professor used relatable examples, more likely to report feeling different than the typical economics major, and less likely to report believing they could learn the material. We also describe a new, low-cost initiative expanding the role of undergraduate teaching assistants to promote a more inclusive environment.Citation
Bayer, Amanda, Syon P. Bhanot, Erin T. Bronchetti, and Stephen A. O'Connell. 2020. "Diagnosing the Learning Environment for Diverse Students in Introductory Economics: An Analysis of Relevance, Belonging, and Growth Mindsets." AEA Papers and Proceedings, 110: 294-98. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20201051Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- A22 Economic Education and Teaching of Economics: Undergraduate
- I23 Higher Education; Research Institutions
- J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination