Location
Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii
Event Website
https://hicss.hawaii.edu/
Start Date
7-1-2025 12:00 AM
End Date
10-1-2025 12:00 AM
Description
This study explores collaborative learning as a DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) strategy to reduce the attrition of minorities from STEM education through the lens of psychological safety and empathy. We analyzed two years worth of weekly student reflections, and student, and community partner interviews. Our findings reveal that psychological safety is crucial for fostering open communication and creativity within teams, yet establishing it can be challenging within a short time. Empathy towards end-users and team members significantly enhances project development but often competes with the need for efficiency, particularly as deadlines approach. Increased confidence among students, driven by mentorship, social bonds, and skill development, emerged as a key positive outcome. Based on these insights, we recommend that educators implement early team-building activities, empathy training, flexible expectations, and strong mentorship programs to create a supportive and effective collaborative learning environment. These strategies can help improve team experiences and project success, particularly for minority students in engineering programs.
Recommended Citation
Devathasan, Kezia and Damian, Daniela, "Psychological Safety and Empathy in Collaborative Learning Environments: A DEI Strategy for Engineering Education" (2025). Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences 2025 (HICSS-58). 3.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/hicss-58/sj/stem/3
Psychological Safety and Empathy in Collaborative Learning Environments: A DEI Strategy for Engineering Education
Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii
This study explores collaborative learning as a DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) strategy to reduce the attrition of minorities from STEM education through the lens of psychological safety and empathy. We analyzed two years worth of weekly student reflections, and student, and community partner interviews. Our findings reveal that psychological safety is crucial for fostering open communication and creativity within teams, yet establishing it can be challenging within a short time. Empathy towards end-users and team members significantly enhances project development but often competes with the need for efficiency, particularly as deadlines approach. Increased confidence among students, driven by mentorship, social bonds, and skill development, emerged as a key positive outcome. Based on these insights, we recommend that educators implement early team-building activities, empathy training, flexible expectations, and strong mentorship programs to create a supportive and effective collaborative learning environment. These strategies can help improve team experiences and project success, particularly for minority students in engineering programs.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/hicss-58/sj/stem/3