Matrix for Achieving Equity in Classrooms
Use the following matrix
to asses six forms of bias in a classroom or a school community. Strategies
for reducing bias are included in each component.
| Linguistic Bias | Stereotyping | Invisibility/
Exclusion |
Unreality | Imbalance/
Selectivity |
Fragmentation/
Isolation |
|
| What to Look For | Language which is dehumanizing or denies the existence of females or males; e.g. Japs, mankind. | Members of a group portrayed in one role or with one characteristic. | The lack of representation of a group. | Misinformation about a group, event or contribution. | Single interpretation of an issue, situation or conditions. | Separating contributions of females and ethnic groups from the mainstream. |
| Instructional Strategies | Pluralize subjects to avoid a gender pronoun. | Encourage males and females to express a wide range of feelings, responses, and sensibilities. | Encourage contributions from females and ethnic minorities. | Discuss controversial topics of discrimination and prejudice. | Engage students in analyzing and debating an issue. | Call on students equitably. Use cooperative learning. |
| Curriculum Content | Set expectations for students to use nonsexist language. | Select readings that have females and ethnic minorities in responsible, exciting leadership positions. | Have students count the numbers of male, female and ethnic group members to determine the proportion in relation to a population. | Engage students in conducting research. | Introduce collaborative ways to solve problems and make decisions. | Stress that learning is the result of collaborative efforts and contributions of many. |
(Gibbs, 2001, p. 61)