Colourful silhouettes of a diverse array of people arranged in a kaleidoscope style.

Learning Module: Anti-Racism, EDI and Positionality in Teaching and Learning

Format

3 open-access lessons

Time commitment

2 – 3 hours

Pace

Learner-led

Level

Introductory 

Racism has a long and complex history within our post-secondary education system. Access, opportunities and academic success have long been limited to certain racialized groups. Over time, significant strides have been made in this field, but many of these early practices remain embedded in the institutional fabric of modern-day universities. 

This online module addresses the history of racism, anti-racist pedagogy and strategies for anti-racist education. Participants in this learning module will increase their knowledge of racism, learn how to identify implicit biases and implement anti-racism strategies in the classroom.

You will be able to

  • Identify the basic tenets of anti-racism and anti-racist teaching

  • Understand your positionality, social identities and biases, as well as their impact on your teaching

  • Create safe and inclusive classroom environments for the discussion of sensitive topics

  • Implement anti-racist practices and strategies within your teaching and learning environment

In this module, you will find: 

  • 3 lessons
  • 3 worksheets 
  • Additional readings and resources

Share your feedback

Let us know about your experience working through this module. Your feedback helps us to improve our learning modules.

Go to survey

Guidelines for working through this module

The topic of race and racism can be an uncomfortable one for most people. It is critical that you review some basic guidelines before engaging with this topic. These guidelines are not meant to dictate your learning, but to encourage mindful and intentional engagement with the topic.

  1. Acknowledge and accept the fact that racism exists. Think critically about the role that race and racism play in your socialization and social position. How have they come to shape who you are as an individual?
  2. Take risks and lean into discomfort. Discussions on the topic of race or racism can often be challenging and uncomfortable. Acknowledge the discomfort and allow yourself to work through it as you progress through the module. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable!
  3. Be open to critical self-reflection. The topic of racism is sensitive and may trigger certain emotions. These could include feelings such as anger, defensiveness, denial, or sadness. Understand that such reactions are expected in this process and can offer an entry point to deeper self-reflection and learning. 
  4. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. It’s important to keep in mind that no one is perfect when it comes to anti-racism work. This work can be messy and challenging. Remind yourself that it is all part of the journey of learning about anti-racism. 

Lessons

A group of silhouetted people in front of a pale yellow background with coloured, empty speech bubbles over their heads.

Lesson 1: EDI, positionality and intersecting identities

Continue
Colourful silhouettes of people in different coloured thought and speech bubbles, on a pale yellow background.

Lesson 2: What is racism?

Continue
Colourful silhouettes of several people passing by each other, in front of a pale yellow background.

Lesson 3: Anti-racism in teaching and learning

Continue

Author

Fouzia Usman

Educational Development Consultant (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion)

Designed and developed by:

Jessica Snow

Communications & Marketing Manager

Alix Redmond

Digital Content Specialist

Alicia Revington

Digital Communications Assistant