Students who come from minority backgrounds face obstacles that teachers, classmates, and administrators may not be aware of. Subtle and not-so-subtle biases exist, and it is important to not only raise our awareness, but to also actively work on ways to combat any resulting negative effects. Biases exist not only in the ways that educators teach, but also in how language itself operates within the confines of social and cultural landscapes. The speaker will share examples of biased teaching and of biased language where students may feel ignored, left out, or forced to silence themselves in the classroom—and in some cases, they may even feel compelled to quit learning altogether. Be prepared to have your eyes opened!
Masaki C. Matsumoto is originally from Tochigi prefecture and currently lives in Gunma prefecture, where he blogs and produces YouTube videos and podcasts while lecturing on topics that draw attention to issues that dispute heteropatriarchy—in particular, these include the LGBT movement, the history of social discourse on sexual desires, and the rights and dignity of sex workers. For more details see https://medium.com/@MasakiCM and https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=masaki+c+matsumoto
This event is co-sponsored with SIETAR Kansai and other JALT groups and will be online. Pre-registration is required by emailing fujimotodonna AT gmail.com
