Module 1: Understanding and Overcoming Implicit Bias
Outcomes
- Gain a deeper understanding of implicit and unconscious bias.
- Recognize how biases tied to race, religion, gender, age, neurodiversity, and other factors can impact students.
- Consider how to manage and address bias in day-to-day work situations.
Overview
Can you think of a situation when someone’s bias—conscious or unconscious—influenced an interaction with a student? Perhaps the student's appearance, manner of speaking, response (or lack of response) led someone to jump to a conclusion or interact with the student in a way that did not achieve the best outcome.
Blind spots and snap judgements can impact our interactions with others. Brain science can help us understand why we have biases. We all draw upon our personal beliefs and experiences when we interact with others. Our highly personalized set of filters that we carry with us wherever we go, shape our perceptions, and prepare us to navigate interactions.
We can have better interactions with students, and coworkers, when we increase our awareness of our biases and manage our responses.
The content in this module can help users:
- Develop a deeper understanding of implicit and unconscious bias.
- Recognize how bias may impact students’ experiences.
- Learn techniques to manage bias in day-to-day work environments.
- Consider how to modify systemic processes, communications, and interactions to minimize effects of bias.
Tips for Using This Module
- Group Meetings and Staff Training: Select and share videos that support your goals during staff meetings. Use the Featured Video Worksheet with groups, or as an individual.
- Onboarding New Staff: Integrate resources into onboarding materials for new hires.
- Individual Professional Development: Provide access to resources to staff to support their personal learning goals and professional growth.
