TESOL Pop S9E8 | Decolonising the Language Classroom with Dr Amina Douidi

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant Dr Amina Douidi talks about racial basis in teaching, materials, and assessment in the context of the language classroom and shares actions we can take to address the problem.
KEY TALKING POINTS
1. Identifying Racial Bias
Amina explains that racial bias in the classroom often manifests through disciplinary issues. Teachers might disproportionately describe students with negative characteristics based on their race or ethnicity. These biases are rooted in societal and historical hierarchies and become systemic in the classroom.
2. Impact on Students
These biases affect students' self-perception and can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. Representation matters greatly; seeing positive representations of their race or ethnicity in teaching materials and curriculum can significantly impact students' motivation and performance.
3. Decolonising Teaching Materials
To decolonise the curriculum, Amina suggests diversifying teaching materials. Highlighting contributions from minority groups to society can make the curriculum more representative and relevant.
4. Inclusive Classroom Language
Teachers should identify and eliminate problematic language, including sexist, racist, ableist, or ageist terms. Reflecting on biases in both the languages used in the classroom and students' home languages is crucial.
5. Assessment Practices
Amina shares an example from Orlene Badu's book "How to Build Your Anti-Racist Classroom," where integrating relatable literature for black Caribbean students improved their reading and writing skills, thus increasing students' motivation and performance.
6. Sustainable Change
Amina emphasises the importance of collaborative efforts among teachers to review and revise curriculum and practices. Long-term, sustainable changes, rather than quick fixes, are necessary for meaningful impact.
Learn more about Amina's work
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/orlene-badu-810a1116a/
Website www.aminadouidi.com/
REFERENCES
1. Badu, O. (2023) How to Build Your Antiracist Classroom. SAGE Publications. UK.
2. An Open Letter from the ELT Community in Solidarity with Palestine (March 2024). openletter.earth/an-open-letter-from-the-elt-community-in-solidarity-with-palestine-0f628930
3. ELT Professionals for Palestine LinkedIn page. www.linkedin.com/company/elt-professionals-for-palestine/
Say thanks with coffee
ko-fi.com/tesolpop
Upcoming lives and workshops
tesolpop.com/live-shows
Learn how to podcast and more.
communicating-for-impact.com/
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our lovely guest, Dr Amina Douidi.
DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you click on one of the product links. This helps support the channel and the work we do. We appreciate your support! Everything in this video is based on our own experience and research. Please do your own research before making any decisions. You and only you are responsible for the decisions you make. Thanks for watching!