Hallinan, Maureen T.
Researchers: Maureen T. Hallinan
University Affiliation: University of Notre Dame
Email: mhallina@nd.edu
Research Question:
Impact of diversity on student learning in higher education
Published: 1
Journal Name or Institutional Affiliation: Ohio State Law Journal
Journal Entry: Vol. 59, pp. 733-754
Year: 1998
Findings:
- The article examines the empirical and theoretical research on the effects of racial and ethnic diversity on student outcomes.
- The author outlines a conceptual model of learning that shows how cognitive, social and contextual factors interact to affect learning.
- Learning is shown as a function of student ability, student effort, and opportunities to learn.
- Three factors are important for learning opportunities- how students are organized, teacher pedagogy, and curriculum content.
- The research generally shows that desegregated schools have a positive effect on student achievement.
- The studies indicate that diversity has positive affects on attitudes and social ties across racial groups.
- The effects of diversity on college students are predominantly positive.
- The author summarizes the sociological and social psychological theories that support and provide insights into diversity effects—contact theory, expectations states theory, network theory and theories of interpersonal attraction.
- Racial and ethnic diversity benefit both White and minority students without measurable disadvantages for any group of students