Lisa Feyes

Part 3: Next Steps

Take Action

  • October 20, 2022 at 10:11 AM
  • Visible to public

1. Monitor media intake: Encourage students to question the texts they encounter in and out of the classroom. Asking questions such as "what is the intent of this author/creator?" empowers students to take an active, critical role and have a more discerning eye when it comes to the content they take in. A question such as "What conclusions can you draw about the text's purpose? (entertain, sell, persuade, satirize, etc,)" can help students understand the validity of source material and develop a greater understanding context. 

2. Language inclusivity: One thing I have been working on in my own teaching practice is avoiding the use of heteronormative language. In more informal interactions with students, it can be easy to fall into these tropes. Seemingly innocuous small talk such as "what girl doesn't want her boyfriend to prompose to her?" or "guys, someday your wives will appreciate this..." can alienate and marginalize LGBTQ students. If I do catch myself I saying something potentially heteronormative, I will correct myself and rephrase. I openly acknowledge that I am working on growing this awareness with my students and I invite them to bring it to my attention.