#EveryLittleActionCounts Week 38: Address Gender Bias in Teaching!
Gender bias in teaching is a persistent issue in academia that influences both the content used to teach and the way students learn.
Historically, curricula have been dominated by works authored by male scholars, often sidelining the contributions of women and marginalised groups. This lack of representation fuels stereotypes, perpetuates inequality, and constrains students’ understanding of inclusion both in and beyond the classroom.
“The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.” Aung San Suu KYI
As educators, we can address this by:
Incorporating texts, case studies and research authored by women
Actively integrating diverse voices into syllabi, ensuring that texts, case studies, and research authored by women are included .
Highlighting diverse contributions to your field in lectures and discussions
This not only broadens students’ perspectives but also challenges the dominant narratives often presented in academic fields.
Discussing systemic biases in academia as part of classroom conversations
Conversations about systemic biases can foster awareness and encourage students to critically engage with structures that shape their learning experiences.
We would be very happy to hear about your strategies to address gender biases in teaching.
Anne-Wil Harzing & Christa Sathish