PROCEEDINGS OF THE 21ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2018
San Diego, California
Perceptions of Underrepresented Community College STEM Majors
Page: 1591
Community College STEM majors from underrepresented groups were interviewed about their experiences in math classes and their motivations behind choosing a STEM major. The goal was to uncover events that may occur in math classrooms that serve to marginalize underrepresented students and contribute to the dearth of these demographic groups in these majors. As interview data was gathered, it became clear that these students did not suffer from feelings of marginalization. Results suggest that involvement in co-curricular activities, guidance and encouragement from faculty members, and support from family and peers may serve to mitigate feelings of alienation that can occur in students from these underrepresented groups.