Conference on New Ideas for Experienced Teachers

June 9–13, 2001
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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Geoffrey Cohen
Yale University

My talk will summarize and elaborate on research relevant to “stereotype threat” - the fear of being judged in light of a negative stereotype about one’s group. I will discuss how stereotype threat may undermine motivation and performance in the context of standardized testing and responses to instructional feedback. I will also discuss steps that teachers and institutions may take to alleviate stereotype threat and thus improve the academic prospects of minority students and other students facing negative stereotypes.