This University of Washington videotape poses thought-provoking questions for viewer discussion. Tape shows Dr. Christensen initiating a group of TAs into the challenges of guiding discussion. Teachers striving to create inclusive classrooms may encounter problems because of the diversity of race, ethnicity, learning styles, ability, class, and sexual orientation of students within their classroom. Through student and faculty interviews, as well as scenes from actual classes, suggestions are made to create classrooms that foster effective teaching and learning for all students.
Racial dynamics enter the classroom in many different ways.
Five vignettes, based on actual classroom incidents, illustrate classroom behavior and the internal dialogue of participants. Conflicts arise between students and between students and faculty, and are based on such issues as affirmative action, tokenism, lack of participation, and refusal to acknowledge racism. Purpose of the tape is to raise critical issues for group discussion. Many International TAs and students portray the situations shown but content is appropriate for all. Comes with a training manual for the discussion leader.