Short answer

Design learning experiences with the assumption of diversity, rather than designing for a hypothetical 'average' student and then trying to remediate those who don't fit.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
International Journal on Research in STEM Education (2023)
Method
Literature review and theoretical framework development
Evidence
Strong effect

Adopting universal design principles and an abundance model in STEM education can significantly improve student retention and success by addressing diverse learning needs rather than focusing on perceived student deficits. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in International Journal on Research in STEM Education. Using Literature review and theoretical framework development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design learning experiences with the assumption of diversity, rather than designing for a hypothetical 'average' student and then trying to remediate those who don't fit.

Study
User-Centred DesignRecentStrong effect

Universal Design Principles Enhance STEM Student Success by Shifting from Deficit to Abundance Models

Adopting universal design principles and an abundance model in STEM education can significantly improve student retention and success by addressing diverse learning needs rather than focusing on perceived student deficits.

International Journal on Research in STEM Education · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01The deficit model of teaching and learning contributes to student attrition and negative student experiences.
  • 02Universal design and abundance models offer more inclusive and effective approaches to education.
  • 03Innovative methodologies are needed to support diverse student pathways through STEM curricula.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Design learning experiences with the assumption of diversity, rather than designing for a hypothetical 'average' student and then trying to remediate those who don't fit.

How to apply

When designing educational materials, platforms, or learning activities, consider multiple modes of representation, expression, and engagement to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.

Project actions

  • 01When researching user needs, actively seek out diverse perspectives and avoid making assumptions about a 'typical' user.
  • 02Consider how your design choices might inadvertently exclude certain user groups and proactively address these potential barriers.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can universal design principles and an abundance model of teaching and learning be implemented to improve STEM student success and reduce attrition?
MethodLiterature review and theoretical framework development
ProcedureThe authors critique the 'deficit model' of teaching and learning, which attributes student failure to individual shortcomings. They then propose the adoption of 'universal design' and an 'abundance model' as alternative frameworks, offering strategies for curriculum design and pedagogical approaches that support diverse learners.
ContextHigher education STEM education

Variables

IVTeaching and learning models (deficit vs. universal design/abundance)
DVStudent success and attrition rates
CVCurriculum content, academic qualifications of instructors, institutional resources
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Provides a strong theoretical critique of traditional educational models.
  • +Offers a clear alternative framework (universal design and abundance model) for improving student outcomes.

Limitations

The theoretical nature of the paper means direct application to a specific design project requires careful interpretation and adaptation.

Reliability & validity

The paper's validity lies in its theoretical argument and critique of existing models. Reliability would depend on the consistent application of the proposed models in practice.

Think critically

To what extent can the 'abundance model' be applied to non-educational design contexts, and what are the potential challenges in shifting from a 'deficit' to an 'abundance' mindset in product development?

05

Design Principles

"Design for the widest possible range of users from the outset, rather than retrofitting accommodations."

This approach moves away from blaming students for attrition and instead focuses on creating inclusive learning environments. By designing curricula and teaching methods that cater to a wide range of abilities and backgrounds from the outset, institutions can foster a more supportive and effective educational experience for all.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Instead of assuming students are 'bad at science' and trying to fix them, design science classes that are good for everyone from the start, no matter their background or how they learn best.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this paper when discussing the importance of inclusive design and user research in your design process, particularly when addressing potential user diversity.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The principles outlined by Brabazon, Quinton, and Hunter (2023) highlight the critical need to move beyond deficit-based approaches in design. By embracing universal design and abundance models, designers can create solutions that are inherently more inclusive and effective for a wider range of users, thereby reducing potential barriers to adoption and success.

09

Source

International Journal on Research in STEM Education

Universalizing science literacy: How to transcend deficit models of teaching and learning

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about universal design principles enhance stem student success by shifting from deficit to abundance models?
Design learning experiences with the assumption of diversity, rather than designing for a hypothetical 'average' student and then trying to remediate those who don't fit. Evidence: International Journal on Research in STEM Education (2023).
Why does "Universal Design Principles Enhance STEM Student Success by Shifting from Deficit to Abundance Models" matter for design?
This approach moves away from blaming students for attrition and instead focuses on creating inclusive learning environments. By designing curricula and teaching methods that cater to a wide range of abilities and backgrounds from the outset, institutions can foster a more supportive and effective educational experience for all.
How can designers apply this research?
Design learning experiences with the assumption of diversity, rather than designing for a hypothetical 'average' student and then trying to remediate those who don't fit.
What were the main findings?
The deficit model of teaching and learning contributes to student attrition and negative student experiences.. Universal design and abundance models offer more inclusive and effective approaches to education.. Innovative methodologies are needed to support diverse student pathways through STEM curricula.
What research method was used?
Literature review and theoretical framework development.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from International Journal on Research in STEM Education.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing educational materials, platforms, or learning activities, consider multiple modes of representation, expression, and engagement to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
What are the limitations?
The paper is theoretical and does not present empirical data from a specific design intervention.