Short answer
Design educational programs and support systems that acknowledge and actively mitigate the unique systemic and social challenges faced by students of color, rather than assuming a uniform student experience.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Academic Publication (2020)
- Method
- Qualitative research using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a theoretical framework.
- Sample
- 9 participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Educational institutions can improve student retention by understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by students of color, moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Academic Publication. Using Qualitative research using interpretive phenomenological analysis (ipa) with critical race theory (crt) as a theoretical framework. with 9 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design educational programs and support systems that acknowledge and actively mitigate the unique systemic and social challenges faced by students of color, rather than assuming a uniform student experience.
Understanding the Lived Experiences of Students of Color to Enhance Educational Persistence
Educational institutions can improve student retention by understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by students of color, moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches.
Academic Publication · 2020
Key Findings
- 01Students of color relied on multifaceted coping tactics to achieve persistence.
- 02Key themes emerged around critical race issues, social integration, and religious fit.
- 03There is no single retention initiative that effectively serves all students.
Application
Design takeaway
Design educational programs and support systems that acknowledge and actively mitigate the unique systemic and social challenges faced by students of color, rather than assuming a uniform student experience.
How to apply
Conduct user research with diverse student populations to identify specific challenges and develop tailored support strategies and inclusive campus environments.
Project actions
- 01When designing for a specific user group, consider their unique background and potential challenges.
- 02Qualitative research methods like interviews can provide deep insights into user experiences.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilizes a robust qualitative methodology (IPA) to capture rich, in-depth experiences.
- +Applies a critical theoretical lens (CRT) to analyze systemic issues.
Limitations
Generalizing findings from a small sample at a specific type of institution requires caution.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings is enhanced by the in-depth nature of IPA, which seeks to deeply understand individual experiences. Validity is strengthened by the use of CRT to provide a critical framework for interpretation. However, the small sample size and single-institution context may limit external validity.
Think critically
How might the findings of this study inform the design of digital learning platforms or campus resources to better support students of color?
Design Principles
"Design for equity by understanding and responding to the diverse lived experiences and coping mechanisms of all users."
This research highlights the critical need for educational design to be sensitive to the diverse experiences of its users. By recognizing the multifaceted coping strategies employed by students of color, institutions can develop more effective and equitable support systems, ultimately leading to better outcomes for a wider range of students.
What This Means for Your Design
To help students succeed, schools need to understand the specific difficulties that students of color face and create different kinds of help for them, because one type of help won't work for everyone.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of user research in understanding diverse user needs and informing design decisions for educational or social support systems.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This study by Collins (2020) underscores the necessity of a user-centered approach in educational design, particularly for marginalized student populations. By exploring the lived experiences of students of color, the research reveals that effective retention strategies must move beyond generic solutions and instead address specific challenges related to race, social integration, and institutional fit, advocating for intentional, equitable design practices that support individual coping mechanisms.
Source
Academic Publication
Against the odds : the lived experiences of students of color at a private Midwestern Christian liberal arts university
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about understanding the lived experiences of students of color to enhance educational persistence?
- Design educational programs and support systems that acknowledge and actively mitigate the unique systemic and social challenges faced by students of color, rather than assuming a uniform student experience. Evidence: Academic Publication (2020).
- Why does "Understanding the Lived Experiences of Students of Color to Enhance Educational Persistence" matter for design?
- This research highlights the critical need for educational design to be sensitive to the diverse experiences of its users. By recognizing the multifaceted coping strategies employed by students of color, institutions can develop more effective and equitable support systems, ultimately leading to better outcomes for a wider range of students.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design educational programs and support systems that acknowledge and actively mitigate the unique systemic and social challenges faced by students of color, rather than assuming a uniform student experience.
- What were the main findings?
- Students of color relied on multifaceted coping tactics to achieve persistence.. Key themes emerged around critical race issues, social integration, and religious fit.. There is no single retention initiative that effectively serves all students.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a theoretical framework. with 9 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2020 journal from Academic Publication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Conduct user research with diverse student populations to identify specific challenges and develop tailored support strategies and inclusive campus environments.
- What are the limitations?
- The study is specific to one university and may not be generalizable to all institutions. The sample size is small.