5 Easy Steps To Eliminate Implicit Bias In Your Classroom

16th December 2024

Suppose you enter a classroom and see some students treated differently than others. As a teacher, you immediately understand that some unseen forces are in play, silently shaping how students are treated. You notice the presence of barriers that hold some back but move others forward. These unseen forces are known as 'implicit bias.'

But here is the silver lining! You can eliminate implicit bias- by recognizing and addressing the unseen forces prevailing in education. As an educator, you may be able to create an equitable, inclusive, and genuinely transformative classroom.

Implicit Bias in Simple Words

Implicit bias refers to the unconscious judgments that shape how we perceive the world and make decisions. In education, it can affect everything from maintaining discipline to providing academic opportunities. It often creates obstacles for less privileged groups.

Bias runs quietly in the background, influencing our choices in subtle yet powerful ways that often go unnoticed. It’s a hidden force shaping our decisions without us being aware.

The interesting fact is: we rely on automatic processing to form opinions based on people and situations. Moreover, our brains conclude automatic assumptions based on stereotypes rather than individual merit. These acquired assumptions lead to extreme consequences in molding policies, teacher expectations, and student outcomes.

How Implicit Bias Affects Schools?

Following are the ways in which unconscious bias at school works:

• Imbalance in Discipline:
  For instance, students of color, especially black boys, are more likely to suffer harsh disciplinary actions than white boys. This bias may create a pipeline from school to lower academic achievement and, in some cases, incarceration.
   
• Erroneous Special Education Placements:
  You must have noticed that cultural and linguistic differences often get misinterpreted as learning disabilities. This results in institutions over-representing such diverse students in special education programs.
   
• Low Expectations in the Classroom:
  It is a troubling reality that educators frequently underestimate the tremendous capabilities of students from underprivileged backgrounds. This tendency stifles talent and growth, denying young minds the opportunities they deserve.
   
• Tracking & Limited Opportunities:
  Students of color are often disproportionately tracked into lower-level classes. This kind of tracking reduces their access to higher education opportunities.
   
• Negative Discourses about Students & their Families:
  Any biased thinking and discussion about students and their respective families should not be appreciated. Such negative discourse can generate a pessimistic perspective that undermines trust and collaboration.

How to Challenge Implicit Bias?

Below are five steps that can help you avoid bias in the classroom:

1. Building Awareness of the Existence of Bias

The first step is self-reflection. Identify whether you carry any implicit bias. Before engaging with students and colleagues, take time to pause and reflect.

• Do I have any assumptions formed out of this interaction?
• How can I replace these assumptions with curiosity and empathy?

By consciously disrupting your automatic thoughts, you open the door to more authentic and inclusive interactions.

2. Educating Yourself & Your Colleagues

To combat implicit bias properly, you may share relevant research with colleagues, arrange professional development sessions, and conduct open dialogues about equal treatment.

Remember:

• Possessing bias does not make you a bad person- it is a product of societal conditioning.
• All of us carry biases. All we need to do first is to identify them to initiate changes.
• Listening to the stories of others can break stereotypes and build understanding.

3. Learning from Educators Who Practise Inclusivity

Learn and observe from educators who nurture inclusive, high-performing classrooms.

• What strategies do they use to connect with students?
• How do they build trust?
• How do they challenge stereotypes?
• Are they setting up high expectations for all students? If yes, how are they doing it?

Take notes so that you can also build a classroom that supports the success of all students.

4. Avoiding Tone Policing

When underprivileged students speak up about bias, their voices often get dismissed because of how they express their concerns. They get mocked for being 'too emotional' and 'overreacting' rather than realizing the substance of their message.

This practice, known as tone policing, silences sensitive conversations about equity. Instead of dismissing these voices, listen actively and learn from their experiences.

5. Examining School Policies for Bias

Generally, it is the institution that shelters implicit bias. For this, do take a good look at your school's policies and regulations.

• Are the discipline policies affecting only certain groups of students?
• Do tracking systems limit opportunities for less privileged students?
• Are there any barriers to advanced courses for less privileged groups?

If such biases exist, advocate for changes that encourage fairness and inclusion.

Wrapping Up

Your courage, reflection, and commitment pave the way to equity. As a teacher, you can rectify past wrongs and design a future where potential does not get defined by race, gender, or background.

With educational administration and management course in Saudi Arabia you can learn more about this topic and become a remarkable, inclusive educator.

Written By : Varsha

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