We were split into groups and each group was given an envelope of materials to create something for new first years. When Derek gave us the task I thought it seemed simple enough. I knew that it wasn’t intended to be a really challenging activity and that the underlying purpose was to encourage us to get to know each other for future workshops. I realised at the beginning that one group in particular had more materials but I didn’t think it was for a significant reason. Then I noticed that Derek was favouring two groups in particular and virtually ignoring others.

When it was revealed at the end what the entire purpose of the exercise was, it made much more sense. It was a good way to highlight the reality of the levels of bias we had learned about in the lecture. For life in general, it showed us how it feels to be treated differently depending on solely what we have. Those in the group that had more felt good and positive, however those with less felt negatively. They didn’t necessarily feel bad based upon the fact that they had less materials. Instead it was because of how they were treated differently. When it comes to being a teacher, this showed me that it is important to make a conscious effort to make sure all children, in all schools are treated entirely equally.