Academic Stereotypes and Asian Students in the College Classroom

Abstract

This thesis project explores the student and faculty experience(s) of Asian stereotypes in a regional Midwestern university setting. Data was collected through one-on-one interviews with students—both Asian and non-Asian—and faculty of the university. Interviews were then transcribed and analyzed for emerging themes on three tiers: individually, within the interviewee's group (i.e. Asian student, non-Asian student, or faculty), and across all groups. Major themes included Asian stereotypes in the media and in pop culture, language-related stereotypes of Asians, Asian academic stereotypes (e.g. attitudes toward school, performance, etc.), and stereotypes concerning how Asian students socialize. These themes were presented from a faculty viewpoint and student viewpoints, which included Asian and non-Asian students. After discussing the emergent themes, implications for students, faculty, and university administration are addressed.