Strategies to Combat Bias

Overcoming bias begins with acknowledgement and reflection. Lecturers must recognize that everyone carries bias and that awareness is the first step toward change.

Effective anti-bias strategies include: 

Reflective Practice. 

Teachers should regularly examine their expectations and compare them with students’ actual performance data to identify gaps potentially influenced by bias. (see Lorenz, 2021; Machost & Stains, 2023). Encourage self-awareness through journaling, peer dialogue, and assessments like the Implicit Association Test (IAT, see: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html). 

Reflecting on how multiple systems of privilege and disadvantage may shape students’ experiences simultaneously 

In daily teaching, reflective questioning can support bias awareness: 

  • “How might gender or socio-economic background shape a student’s willingness to speak up?” 

  • “What other identity factors might influence this student’s classroom behaviour besides culture?” 

  • “Am I interpreting this behaviour fairly, or could it be shaped by intersecting barriers?”

Relationship Building. 

Take time to understand students’ backgrounds through intentional conversation and empathy-based activities. 

  • Avoid Colorblindness 

Instead of ignoring race or culture, actively recognize and celebrate diversity. Normalize cultural holidays and traditions within the curriculum. 

  • Equitable Expectations 

Use structured turn-taking or random selection methods during class discussions to ensure equal visibility and engagement from all students. Avoid grouping based on perceived ability. Support struggling students without lowering standards. 

  • Culturally Responsive Resources 

Use inclusive teaching materials that reflect students' identities, experiences, and contributions. 

  • Professional Learning 

Engage in regular training and collaborative reflection on cultural awareness, bias recognition, and inclusive pedagogy.

  • Bias-Aware Assessment

Implement objective, criteria-based assessments. Anonymous marking and clear rubrics help reduce the risk of bias influencing grades. Avoiding essentialist assumptions that cultural background alone explains behaviour.

  • Responsive Feedback

Provide balanced, constructive feedback that emphasizes both areas of improvement and student potential, regardless of background.