Exploring Identity and Belonging Challenges in STEM Education

In this podcast I share a talk I gave years ago on July 14, 2022 titled, Getting to Know Yourself and Understand Others. In some ways this talk shares some of the meanings and observations I have been wrestling with for some time and which have influenced my approach to curriculum development and to talking about issues related to equity and diversity. Parts of this talk appear in one chapter of my book which was released in August 2024. I thought it was important to highlight this talk given what we're all experiencing right now. It is important to note that my candidness does not mean I am against anyone or the field, but I do believe that this level of candor without rhetoric has overshadowed that which could lead to real change in our society. Does the field reflect society or does society reflect the field? See poll questionAI Summary Dr. Catherine Quinlan discusses the importance of understanding identity in education, particularly in STEM fields. She emphasizes the challenges of belonging for people of color and the impact of identity on students' self-efficacy and persistence in science. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, she highlights the need for educators to connect with their students and foster an inclusive environment. The conversation also touches on the significance of peer mentoring and the role of discourse identity in shaping educational experiences.TakeawaysMany issues we face today are complex and require integrated approaches.Belonging is particularly challenging for people of color in STEM.Identity in science education is problematic for underrepresented groups.Using identity to connect with students can enhance their sense of belonging.Peer mentoring is crucial for student success and comfort in academic settings.Historical perceptions of identity influence current educational experiences.Discourse identity plays a significant role in how students are recognized and validated.Connection with students can improve overall educational outcomes.Understanding one's own identity can help in connecting with others.Educators should actively seek to connect with students from diverse backgrounds.About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D. I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University. Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels. For more information visit my websites: Personal Website of Dr.Catherine L. Quinlan: ⁠⁠https://drcatherinequinlan.com⁠⁠Visibility In STEMEducation Consultant/Services: ⁠⁠https://visibilityinstem.com/⁠⁠TEDx Talk: The ClarityWe Need For Belonging: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development. ⁠⁠https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193⁠⁠Keystone Passage,Chapter Series Book: ⁠⁠https://keystonepassage.com⁠⁠Check out the podcast:Learning, for Truth and Love: Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6IlAjleK06X35gdoGqylGH⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drcatherinequinlan⁠⁠ Podcasts ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-for-truth-and-love/id1785560564⁠⁠ Music: ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/649118d6-1db7-4273-aa01-bfd495703f71/learning-for-truth-and-love⁠⁠ iHeart Radio: ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-learning-for-truth-and-lov-248725998/⁠⁠