Gender Bias in the Classroom: Strategies for Instructors that Tackle Sexism and Gender Bias

Abstract

Sexism and gender bias can be a common experience for women on university campuses. Facing these types of discrimination has been shown to result in negative academic outcomes, a reduction in the satisfaction of academic pursuits, and lowered self-confidence in female students (Logel et al., 2009; Morris & Daniel, 2008). Within this climate, course instructors are well poised to be part of the solution by creating and fostering an inclusive space in their classrooms. This interactive workshop focuses on promoting a gender inclusive learning environment within the university classroom context. Participants will learn to describe the effects of gender bias on female students, to identify sexism and gender bias in their many forms, and to apply a range of strategies to create and promote an inclusive classroom environment.