Central Hub PD
Who: Central Hub
What: Dismantling Deficit Thinking
Description: Although deficit thinking has existed for some time, scholarly analyses of it have become increasingly common over the last two decades. In general, deficit thinking holds that students from historically oppressed populations are responsible for the challenges and inequalities that they face. We will cover the four central themes that illustrate how deficit thinking is conceptualized and defined in existing research: a blame the victim orientation, a grounding in larger complex systems of oppression, a pervasive and often implicit nature, and effects that reinforce hegemonic systems. Research suggests that these four interdependent themes represent critical aspects of the conceptualization of deficit thinking and impact student retention and success.
None of these elements alone are comprehensive enough to constitute deficit thinking; rather, all four aspects of deficit thinking are important for understanding its nature within educational settings. This form of thinking is harmful for two reasons: 1) it can lead to educators assuming that nothing can be done to support the student; and 2) it can lead to educators lowering expectations for the student.
Learning Outcomes:
- Define deficit thinking or the utilization of a deficit paradigm in your work
- Clarify how historically marginalized students in community colleges are impacted
- Identify alternative strategies to deficit thinking
- Illuminate the role that communication plays in deficit thinking
When: October 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET Add to Calendar
Where: Virtual Registration Link Registration Deadline: October 10, 2023 at 10:59 a.m.
Questions: Faculty can contact the Central Hub Co-Directors with any questions!
