Lesson 3: Anti-racism in teaching and learning
Ideology
White supremacy is a racist ideology. It is rooted in a belief that white people are racially dominant and superior to people of other races.
Values
The education system was created around this notion to uphold white supremacist values.
Power
De-centering whiteness explores and examines unequal power balances in North America. This is accomplished by focusing on one of the dominant, socially constructed groups - whites.
How can we try to de-center whiteness?
Begin with a few simple strategies to work towards the process of de-centring whiteness in curriculum.
Classes are often taught based on historically white or colonial perspectives. These westernized views are shaping how students perceive the world.
Student Feedback on Improving Anti-Racism on Campus
African and Caribbean Students Association
What is anti-racist pedagogy?
Anti-racism is actively dismantling unequal distribution of power and working against racist ideologies. Anti-racist frameworks encourage intentional reflection, examination and action to dismantle certain patterns that perpetuate oppression.
Five key aspects of anti-racist pedagogy
Examine power and practices
Examine the theory, structure and practices of racism and power relations embedded in history. Be aware that certain structures, like the education system, were created to uphold ideologies reflecting white supremacy. Hence, knowledge produced by the dominant groups is honoured and represented in the curriculum. Examining the theory, structure and practices of historical racism and power relations helps us to acknowledge other ways of knowing, being and interpreting knowledge.
Raise self-awareness
Raise self-awareness of social locations and knowledge production. Understand your positionality and social identities, and how they impact your practice. What lens do you bring to your work and how does it inform your practice?
Empower students
Empower students by validating and acknowledging their everyday experiences. Centring their voices and diversifying academic staff are just a few ways of doing so.
Foster critical thinking
Foster critical thinking by equipping students with anti-racist language and discussion skills.
Create a sense of community
Create a sense of community in the classroom. Create a classroom environment where students feel safe, included and comfortable.
I've noticed that my courses are undervaluing the scientific and academic achievements of BIPOC scholars in the Global South.
Student Feedback on Improving Anti-Racism on Campus
African and Caribbean Students Association
Lesson checklist
- Critically reflect on the centrality of whiteness in the educational curriculum
- Complete the worksheet on anti-racist education
More lessons
Lesson 1: EDI, positionality and intersecting identities
Lesson 2: What is racism?
