How to start the
'Content' Case Study
These case studies were developed by core members of DEC. They are composites based on real experiences that aim to expose the sometimes obvious, but oftentimes unconscious, biases within our curriculum and academic culture. You are able to view them online or download them for use at a later stage. Either way, we hope they empower you to stand to for these injustices that are experienced by marginalised students in our classrooms.
Jade is a first-year student from London with a keen interest in science education. As part of her course, Jade is learning about arguments for and against using DNA data in education. Due to her interest in science education, Jade finds herself interested in this discussion and does some further reading and research. She learns about its history and how it has been used to further white supremacy and how it can be incredibly political. As a black student, this makes her dubious of any arguments for its use in education and she can’t understand why this side of genetics was not discussed in the lecture.
In a discussion board, she evaluates the arguments for DNA data in education, by criticising its history and how it has been used in the past to push racist agendas and further white supremacy, using historical evidence and the controversy and criticism around it. She notices the next day that her lecturer has responded and checks the feedback she has received.
“Inflammatory language”
“Too political”
“Overly critical”
Jade is left feeling shocked and confused. Was she wrong to have brought up race? Was she overly critical and too political? She didn't realise that her argument would be a problem and feels stupid for bringing up race in relation to this topic. She decides not to contribute to the group discussion when discussed in her online seminar and keeps her camera off.
Due to Jade’s proactive nature, she decides to draw up a proposal to begin a DEC discussion group in her department so that no other students are made to feel the way she did.
How to use the
Reflective Questions
As you explore these case studies, we expect various reactions and questions will arise. Nurture your thoughts and allow for an emotive response - these stories are worthy of such. The questions you have may empower discourse, or personal reflection. Either way, we hope your brain is tingled! If you need a little spark of inspiration to get you thinking, here are some reflective questions. Utilise them liberally, letting your own experiences and ideals navigate your approach. We’d love to hear your thoughts - why not add them to our forum discussion?
Reflective Questions
1. Why might DNA data be a sensitive topic for BAME students?
2. How could race issues have been included in the preparatory materials?
3. What would have been a more appropriate way to give feedback on Jade's work?