Challenging Bias in Classrooms: A Look at Faculty Training

For a while now, there has been a push to make classrooms more welcoming. This includes addressing microaggressions, which are subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or actions. A group of health educators came up with a unique way to tackle this issue. They created workshops focused on equity, diversity, inclusivity, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. These workshops are not your typical training sessions. They use simulation-based education. This means actors are trained to mimic real-life situations where microaggressions might occur. The goal of these workshops is to empower teachers. By experiencing these simulated scenarios, teachers can learn to recognize and interrupt microaggressions. This is a big deal because microaggressions can make students feel unwelcome or disrespected. They can also create a hostile learning environment. So, these workshops are a step towards creating more inclusive classrooms. But do they really work? That's a question worth asking. It's not enough to just create workshops. We need to evaluate if they are making a real difference. One thing to consider is the actors used in these simulations. They are trained to portray sources of microaggressions. This is a good start, but it's also important to consider the diversity of the actors. Do they represent the diversity of the students in real classrooms? Another thing to think about is the follow-up. These workshops are just a starting point. Teachers need ongoing support and resources to keep up the good work. It's also crucial to involve students in these conversations. After all, they are the ones directly affected by microaggressions. The workshops are a good effort, but they are not a magic solution. They are a tool, and like any tool, they need to be used correctly. They need to be part of a larger effort to create inclusive classrooms. This effort should involve everyone - teachers, students, and administrators. It should also be ongoing, not just a one-time thing. Creating inclusive classrooms is a journey, not a destination. It's a journey that requires constant effort, reflection, and improvement. The workshops are a step in the right direction. They are a way to start conversations about microaggressions and how to address them. But they are just a start. There is still a lot of work to be done. We need to keep pushing for more inclusive classrooms. We need to keep challenging bias and discrimination in all its forms. We need to keep working towards a future where all students feel welcome, respected, and valued.