Closing STEM opportunity gaps through critical approaches to teaching and learning for Black youth

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article builds upon prior work by suggesting how public, K-12 education systems across the United States can address longstanding opportunity gaps in STEM education. More specifically, we bring together the work of critical perspectives in education, STEM pathway research, as well as best practices from teaching and learning scholarship. We suggest that through critical, interconnected, and aligned approaches to pedagogy, curricula, and instruction, educators can effectively advance the holistic success of Black youth. We begin by summarizing some of the systemic barriers to STEM pathways for Black students. We then highlight how extant studies have pointed to 3 essential teaching and learning strategies that empower Black youth toward academic, social, and civic engagement. We suggest that through: (1) culturally responsive, relevant, and sustaining pedagogies, (2) problem- and project-based, participatory curricula, and (3) a commitment to civic action and civic engagement, we can reduce and one day remove STEM opportunity gaps. When this collection of practices is offered to students in holistic ways through in and out-of-school opportunities, studies have shown the positive impact that these teaching and learning approaches can have on Black students’ experiences, engagement, and academic success outcomes throughout the K-12 pathway.