Decolonising the Language Classroom – with Dr Amina Douidi

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant Dr Amina Douidi talks about racial basis in teaching, materials, and assessment in the context of the language classroom and shares actions we can take to address the problem.

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KEY TALKING POINTS

Identifying Bias

Amina explains that racial bias in the classroom often manifests through disciplinary issues. Teachers might disproportionately describe students with negative characteristics based on their race or ethnicity. These biases are rooted in societal and historical hierarchies.

Decolonising Materials

To decolonise the curriculum, Amina suggests diversifying teaching materials. Highlighting contributions from minority groups to society can make the curriculum more representative and relevant.

Inclusive Language

Teachers should identify and eliminate problematic language, including sexist, racist, ableist, or ageist terms. Reflecting on biases in both the languages used in the classroom and students' home languages is crucial.

Assessment Practices

Amina shares an example from Orlene Badu's book "How to Build Your Anti-Racist Classroom," where integrating relatable literature for black Caribbean students improved their reading and writing skills.

Sustainable Change

Amina emphasises the importance of collaborative efforts among teachers to review and revise curriculum and practices. Long-term, sustainable changes, rather than quick fixes, are necessary for meaningful impact.

ABOUT

Dr Amina Douidi is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Intercultural Communication consultant in English Language Teaching (ELT). She collaborates with publishers and education providers as a trainer, reviewer, and researcher, focusing on promoting anti-racist, decolonial, and inclusive practices. She earned her PhD from the University of Southampton, where she researched the intercultural potential of Algerian English textbooks and their use in the classroom. She speaks Arabic, French, Spanish and English and is an amateur volleyball player.

Visit Amina's website or LinkedIn to learn more.

REFERENCES

1. Badu, O. (2023) How to Build Your Antiracist Classroom. SAGE Publications.

2. An Open Letter from the ELT Community in Solidarity with Palestine (March 2024). Available here.

3. ELT Professionals for Palestine LinkedIn page.

Say thanks

https://ko-fi.com/tesolpop

CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our lovely guest, Dr Amina Douidi.

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