Title: Beyond Large Enrollments: Cultivating Latine Student Success in Introductory Chemistry through Servingness-Centered Evidence-Based Pedagogies
Abstract: In response to the critical imperative of addressing underrepresentation and educational debt among Latine students in STEM fields at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), this study employs an equity-centered design that integrates a mixed methods approach with QuantCrit methodologies. By developing servingness-centered and evidence-based pedagogies in the chemistry classroom, this research aims to critically examine how instructional strategies can be both inclusive and effective for Latine students.
This research talk will focus on the steps for designing a QuantCrit mixed methods study, discussing methodological and design decisions, and presenting preliminary findings. The study combines quantitative surveys and assessments with qualitative interviews and focus groups to explore Latine students’ experiences in STEM education. Through this approach, we investigate students’ perceptions of learning, barriers to implementing active learning strategies, and how these strategies influence STEM identity development. A QuantCrit lens allows us to interrogate traditional assumptions in STEM education research and uncover systemic inequities that impact Latine students’ success.
Bio: Paulette Vincent-Ruz (she/ella) is an Assistant Professor in Chemistry Education Research at New Mexico State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and her Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Policy from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education.
As a Queer Latinx cis-woman of color born and raised in Mexico, Vincent-Ruz brings a deeply personal perspective to her research. Her work focuses on understanding the systemic barriers that disadvantage marginalized students, examining their impact on students’ chemistry attitudes, opportunities, and learning through equity-centered theories and methodologies. She is a pioneer in integrating QuantCrit methodologies into Chemistry Education Research, bridging her expertise in chemistry with educational theory.
Her contributions to the field have earned her significant recognition, including being named an American Chemical Society Future Leader in Chemistry—the first time this honor was awarded to a chemistry education researcher.
Hosts: Yujian Zhang & Alvir Sangha