Use student experience variables instead of identity variables to investigate for whom and under what conditions improvements work¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

This strategy proposes measuring students' educational experiences—such as sense of belonging, self-efficacy, effects of disruptions, or teacher support—rather than relying on demographic identity variables, which are only proxies for experience. The report states "Experience variables may also pose less risk of identifying individual students and may move us away from further stigmatizing students who belong to certain identity groups." Platform traces of behavior can serve as direct variables or proxies.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A survey or some form of primary data collection, likely feasible within the digital learning platform
• Precautions to protect sensitive data and critical review to ensure beneficial impacts for all learners

Constraints¶

• The report acknowledges risks of identifying individual students are still present

Target Learners¶

• K-12 and higher education students, including students with disabilities and English learners

Target Learning Goals¶

• Investigating for whom and under what conditions educational improvements work, with an equity focus

Related Strategies¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Zacamy, J., & Roschelle, J. (2022, August). Navigating the tensions: How could equity-relevant research also be agile, open, and scalable? Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/159