Bias in Curriculum
February 17, 2013 at 5:03 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 3 CommentsTags: bias, Edu 6133, education, hijab, math, Muslim, Somali
In the textbook, McDouglas Littell Middle School Math, Larson (2004) presents cultural assumptions of assimilation and individualism. A majority of the photos present students by themself (Larson, 2004). While a few group photos do exist, a majority depict single students, thus stressing the importance of individual achievement, rather than group success (Larson, 2004). In addition, while a wide variety of ethnic groups represented in the photos consists of a wide range of skin colors, all students dress themselves in middle class white American attire such as blue jeans and a t-shirt (Larson, 2004). The reality of cultural diversity of attire, not simply skin color, lacks in this curriculum.
In the classroom, I hope to counteract his bias by encouraging group work and addressing the importance of the whole class succeeding. I want students to feel like they can contribute to the success of the group by doing math problems in groups of 2-3 students in addition to individual work. I hope to affirm diverse attire by complementing students on their fashion. I want all students, especially the woman to feel affirmed in their choice of attire. As an educator at Denny Middle School, I love the creativity the Muslim Somali students put into their hijab and dresses. I hope to help the students feel fashionable and affirmed in their attire.
References:
Larson, R., Littell, M (2004). McDougal Littell Middle School Math. Course 1. Evanston, Illinois: McDougal Littell.
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Great post Jim! I appreciated your insight that although the photos depicted children from different ethnicities they failed to portray them fully embracing the fashion of their cultures.
Comment by tagueshannon— February 17, 2013 #
Hey Jim,
Thats really interesting, I never thought how textbooks don’t include different types of world fashion. That’s a really good thought. Also, the individualism in text books, as you mentioned, is very high in math and science. I hadn’t really noticed that before.
Also, just as a thought, we may want to be careful complementing women on their fashion, especially when in some cultures, that could be seen as taboo. The different layers of cultural consciousness is very deep, and sometimes seems hard to wade through. But it should make the experience our students have that much better. Thanks for your post!
Comment by stephenjensenthebenzeneprof— February 18, 2013 #
Jim interesting observation about the superficial representation of different ethnic groups. I too have noticed some of my Muslim Somali students having a flair for fashion. I even have one student who aspires to own a clothing store for young Somali women with all sorts of fashionable attire.
Comment by olyanoa— February 20, 2013 #