Testing Stereotype Threat

Osbourne, Jason. (2001). Testing Stereotype Threat: Does Anxiety Explain Race and Sex Differences in Achievement? Contemporary Education Psychology, 26. 291-310.

Osbourne’s goal of his study was to examine whether anxiety will explain racial differences in academic performance and gender differences in math performance. His research is based on the Steele’s research or lack there of. Steele’s (1992, 1997) stereotype-threat theory attempts to explain underperformance of minority students and women in mathematics. Steele argues that internalization of negative group stereotypes in testing situations increases the anxiety that students experience and that these anxiety levels explain performance differences. Osbourne’s study confirms that stereotype threat is a viable theory.

I can really relate to the argument presented in this article because anxiety plays out everyday in my classroom. I believe that my students have internalized all of the negative stereotypes that come along with living in Kalihi and attending Farrington High School. Many people expect them to fail so they have internalized these negative stereotypes. It is not so much race or gender, but community association. It is my responsibility to address this failure/negative mentality. I have to motivate students who have done poorly in math. This is the biggest challenge that I face. Anxiety can be conquered through investment and confidence through achievement.

Gender Equity: Still Knocking at the Classroom Door

David Sadker

Educational Leadership, Vol 56 April 1999

The article address the underlying gender inequality that occurs in the classroom. The author asks vital questions. Is gender equity still a problem? Is it more "political correctness" than educational effectiveness? The article shines light on the fact the classroom maybe full of gender biases from a male and female standpoint. In addition, Sadker acknowledges that most teachers do not have an understanding or clear picture of what gender inequality looks like in the classroom.

I thought the article was very intriguing. I strongly agree with the claim that Sadker makes about the false sense of gender equality. Yes women have come along way, but we still face an up hill battle with gender inequality. Until women are offered high level positions, make the same amount of money as men, and truly treated equality we still have a battle. It has prompted me to look in my own classroom for unintentional gender biases. After reading the article I was able to reflect on my own teaching strategies and pinpoint where I could be unfair to my students based on their gender. It is important to reflect to make sure to make an effort to be as fair as possible whether it be based on race, class, or gender.