This week I attended a Values lecture where we learnt about how different forms of bias are present all around us; from news channels to how people unwittingly make judgments based on first impressions.
I found this lecture very interesting. We watched a video of Panti, an Irish drag queen who faced legal proceedings because she named people as homophobic for being against same-sex marriage. The treatment of bias against Panti and many other people in similar positions showed how divided the modern world is.
Later on, there was a workshop where our lecturer demonstrated bias in our class by providing some groups with more materials than others and providing the same 2 groups with more help and support than others. It was interesting to see that the groups that had all of the resources, materials and help were oblivious to the lack of support to the others. However, the groups that had less help and support were very aware of the lack of resources and support. On reflection, the learning outcome from this workshop is to ensure as a teacher, you do not apply unconscious bias to your teaching practice and that each child is given the same amount of support and encouragement.
Because I have always considered myself to be a balanced and open minded person I initially questioned myself and the purpose of these lectures. I have now changed my perspective on the magnitude of the issue.
