Teaching Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Aviation Education

Implementing DEI in Aviation Education: Coping and Addressing Mental Health Concerns

“…These changes to the learning outcomes were the results of the findings published by Albelo & O'Toole (2021), who argued that the three steps towards integrating DEI practices in aviation education are creating critical consciousness, recognizing implicit bias, and learning how to handle resistance while fostering a safe space for students to learn. The challenge was to create educational activities that would enable graduating students to experience a classroom atmosphere that permitted them to overcome ambivalence.…”

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“…In recent years, achieving DEI goals for pilots and mechanics in the aviation industry has been an ongoing challenge. Conversely, research has also shown the benefits of DEI practices, such as higher retention and better performance (Albelo & O'Toole, 2021;Albelo et al, 2023b;Kim & Albelo, 2020). When it comes to aviation education, Albelo & O'Toole (2021) have shown that training programs that focus on diversity awareness and skills development tend to be more successful, while factors like the type of instructional mode and mandatory versus voluntary participation have limited influence on outcomes.…”

“…Conversely, research has also shown the benefits of DEI practices, such as higher retention and better performance (Albelo & O'Toole, 2021;Albelo et al, 2023b;Kim & Albelo, 2020). When it comes to aviation education, Albelo & O'Toole (2021) have shown that training programs that focus on diversity awareness and skills development tend to be more successful, while factors like the type of instructional mode and mandatory versus voluntary participation have limited influence on outcomes. Overall, aviation education has made progress in broadening access and participation by historically underrepresented groups.…”

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“…However, for minority students, the sense of belonging can be affected by multiple factors, including institutional inequalities, cultural differences, micro-aggressions, and an unhealthy campus climate. Albelo and O'Toole (2021) concluded that aviation students who feel engaged experience a greater sense of belonging. From an educational leader's point of view, the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices results in greater retention of underrepresented minorities .…”

“…These gender role stereotypes could be broken if educators and educational leaders develop critical consciousness and learn to identify implicit bias . Albelo and O'Toole (2021) suggested strategies such as becoming mindful of our prejudice and increasing empathy and kindness toward our students and colleagues.…”