Student identities matter in the classroom. But while much of the literature in this area focuses on overt student identities, namely race and gender, a new study focuses on what it calls concealable stigmatized identities, or “CSIs.” These include LGBTQIA+ status, being a first-generation college student, struggling academically during college, being a community college transfer student, growing up in a low-income household, and having anxiety, depression, addiction or a disability.

In the recent Student Voice survey, students cite teaching style as a major barrier to their academic success. Research points to active learning as a solution, but experts on pedagogy and identity offer some major caveats for professors looking to mix up their instructional approaches. RISE Center Director, Sara Brownell, is featured in this article, highlighting how important it is to consider different identities when using active learning in a classroom.