In the realm of speech-language pathology, particularly when providing online therapy services to schools, understanding the diverse cultural backgrounds of students is crucial. A recent study titled "The surprising underperformance of East Asians in US law and business schools: The liability of low assertiveness and the ameliorative potential of online classrooms" offers valuable insights that can help practitioners improve their skills and outcomes for children. This blog will delve into the findings of the study and provide actionable strategies for speech-language pathologists.
Understanding the Study's Findings
The study, conducted across six large-scale investigations, reveals that East Asians (EAs) underperform in US law and business schools compared to South Asians (SAs) and Whites. This underperformance is attributed not to a lack of academic motivation or English proficiency but to lower verbal assertiveness, which is culturally incongruent with the assertiveness prized by these educational institutions. Notably, the study found that online classes conducted via platforms like Zoom mitigated this underperformance.
Key Takeaways for Practitioners
As a practitioner focused on creating great outcomes for children, here are some key takeaways and strategies based on the study's findings:
- Foster a Culturally Inclusive Environment: Recognize that cultural backgrounds can influence students' assertiveness. Create an environment that values diverse communication styles and encourages participation from all students.
- Utilize Online Platforms: The study highlights that online classes can reduce the social pressures that inhibit assertiveness. Incorporate online therapy sessions to provide a less intimidating platform for students to express themselves.
- Warm Calling: Instead of putting students on the spot, give them time to prepare their thoughts. Inform them in advance if they will be called upon to share their responses, thus reducing anxiety and encouraging participation.
- Provide Multiple Channels for Participation: Offer various ways for students to participate, such as online forums or written comments. This can help students who are less comfortable speaking up in real-time to still contribute meaningfully.
- Balance Quantity and Quality of Participation: While frequent participation is valuable, ensure that the quality of contributions is also recognized. Encourage thoughtful and substantive comments over mere frequency.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides a solid foundation, further research is essential to explore additional methods to support assertiveness in students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Practitioners should stay informed about new findings and continuously adapt their strategies to ensure they are meeting the needs of all students.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The surprising underperformance of East Asians in US law and business schools: The liability of low assertiveness and the ameliorative potential of online classrooms.
