*Striving to Excel in STEM: Insights From Underrepresented, Minoritized Graduate Students With High Academic Ability

Abstract

Little information exists concerning underrepresented students’ talent development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This retrospective qualitative study investigated the talent development processes of five Black, seven Hispanic, and three Native American graduate students enrolled in STEM disciplines. All participants completed three individual, 1-hr interviews. Inductive thematic analysis revealed participants experienced challenges throughout their schooling, including chilly atmosphere in STEM disciplines, sense of loneliness, imposter syndrome, and pressure to prove themselves as capable. Despite these obstacles, participants benefited from academic rigor in STEM, gifted education programs, and extended support networks from families, friends, and mentors. Participants also developed a strong sense of responsibility for community service and social justice. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

The relationship between mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics achievement: multilevel analysis with NAEP 2019

“…For example, it may be associated with positive outcomes if public schools frontload high-quality mathematics education since early childhood education (Plucker et al, 2017) to build young students' self-efficacy in mathematics. Teachers create inclusive and culturally responsive mathematics learning environments that involve underrepresented students with high potential in meaningful and rigorous learning activities (Yang & Gentry, 2023), which are correlated with increased mastery experiences and thus may support self-efficacy. In this regard, we suggest revisiting the approach of anti-deficit achievement theory (Harper, 2010) and concentrating our conversations on closing achievement gaps by understanding how students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, are associated with high levels of self-efficacy and how this relates to navigating the systematic environmental barriers put on them.…”

The role of counseling in developing future STEM leaders

“…This personalized approach ensures that STEM leaders excel in their technical domains and possess the interpersonal and leadership skills necessary for success. STEM fields are not immune to challenges, including gender and diversity-related barriers, imposter syndrome, and workplace dynamics (Yang & Gentry, 2023). Counseling provides a safe space for individuals to discuss and overcome these challenges.…”