2.3 How does identity affect relationships within the classroom?
In this unit, we have explored the definition of identity, reflected on our own identities, and learned how identities are developed. Now let’s examine identity in the classroom.
Activity
Watch:
Answer the following questions:
What is unique about Anna’s students?
How does Anna’s practice help her students develop positive identity?
Watch:
Answer the following question:
What does Robert learn is important about the teacher’s influence on student self-identity during his people colors activity?
Unit Reflection
The following excerpt is from the Edutopia article "Educate to Liberate: Build an Anti-Racist Classroom" written by Joshua Block.
"In Critical Pedagogy, the State, and Cultural Struggle, Henry Giroux writes about the importance of "pedagogy of difference and a pedagogy for difference." This means that educators must understand how their own identities are constructed and be social critics willing and able to dissect and analyze our society:
. . . it is important that educators come to understand theoretically how difference is constructed through various representations and practices that name, legitimate, marginalize, and exclude the cultural capital and voices of various groups in American society; similarly, a pedagogy of difference needs to address the important question of how the representations and practices of difference are actively learned, internalized, challenged, or transformed. (142) It is impossible to teach honestly and reflectively without a clear understanding of the social construction of identity."
Stay with his words for a moment. Take time to think about the exercises we completed in this unit, exploring aspects of your own identity.
Then, write your reflection on your thoughts and experience during this unit . These questions are for guidance purposes only. You can choose to answer some, all, or none.
What did you learn from this unit?
How did the content challenge or confirm your ideas about identity?
How do you help facilitate identity understanding in your students?
How do you currently value and validate your students' diverse identities?
Additional Resources
https://www.weareteachers.com/white-teachers-need-to-see-color/
References
Block, J. (2015, January 12). Educate to liberate: Build an anti-racist classroom. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/build-an-anti-racist-classroom-joshua-block
Social justice Standards: Unpacking identity. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.learningforjustice.org/professional-development/social-justice-standards-unpacking-identity
Next: Unit 3: Decolonize Your Library