The first step toward having a productive conversation about race and ethnicity within the classroom is to design an environment that promotes a collaborative learning environment for all students. It is important for instructors to recognize that each student is walking into their classroom from very different places and with varying levels of prior experience discussing race and ethnicity. There will inevitably be uncomfortable moments in which something problematic is said. In a well-designed space for collaboration and understanding, these moments can be productively utilized as learning opportunities rather than being simply harmful and alienating experiences for students.
(1) Bringing up race can be uncomfortable because we have been taught as a society to remain ‘politely silent’ about race. If you are nervous about bringing up race, begin by watching this TEDx Talk by Jay Smooth:
Smooth offers valuable suggestions to set the frame of mind to enter into a conversation about race.
(2) Key to creating an environment to have a productive conversation is establishing clear guidelines for the conversation so students feel comfortable participating. Many students enter conversations about race and ethnicity with timidity and fear accidentally saying something offensive.
Useful is this summary of Beverly Tatum’s “ABCs for a climate of engagement” from a talk at the POD Network conference, 2015. The key here is to Affirm identity, Build community, and Cultivate leadership.
This is a comprehensive guide by Teaching Tolerance for how to establish a safe classroom environment when leading discussions of race, racism, and other difficult topics. Some highlights include: activities to help instructors perceive their own biases, tips on gauging student comfort and mood during discussion, instructor self-care, and an extensive list of lesson planning resources.
(3) Providing students a baseline of terminology about race and ethnic categories can promote an atmosphere amenable to a productive conversation.