Tokenism In Education
Tokenism can be described as making a small effort towards something in your classroom. Tokenism can occur when cultural differences or diversity are not added in everyday life or activities. Having something that is a part of their culture can make the children feel comfortable in having something from their own culture with them. Reasons for tokenism is a lack of awareness and a lack of time to acknowledge how many different languages you have in the classroom or in the whole school.
This may include not encouraging different cultures, not letting children be who they are and not letting them wear their traditional clothing or say things in their language. As well as not putting photos, or writing in different languages around the classroom …show more content…
As well as having these around the room, you are also learning new languages and how to say them correctly. Also other ways to avoid tokenism are to ensure that all children/students feel included and welcome, use inclusive practices and promote diversity. Ensure that diversity, differences and culture are embedded in your everyday practices not just with a display or a poster etc.
Tokenism is not only celebrating or participating in things once, but it is representing these events all year round. Schools need to be active and supportive in promoting all events including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues. Schools need to be encourage all cultures from around the world including Indigenous students who are proud of their heritage, where children can have the essential feeling of belonging and the right to be proud of who you are and where you are from.
Remember inclusion is not just what you do, but also why and how you do it. So attitude is a key element in avoiding tokenism. If you are enthusiastic, happy, involved and genuine then this, will show children will respond the same way.
Having strong policies and practices which help avoid tokenism. Talk about and discuss with your staff to ensure you are not being tokenistic by reflecting, observing, evaluating and being open to
This may include not encouraging different cultures, not letting children be who they are and not letting them wear their traditional clothing or say things in their language. As well as not putting photos, or writing in different languages around the classroom …show more content…
As well as having these around the room, you are also learning new languages and how to say them correctly. Also other ways to avoid tokenism are to ensure that all children/students feel included and welcome, use inclusive practices and promote diversity. Ensure that diversity, differences and culture are embedded in your everyday practices not just with a display or a poster etc.
Tokenism is not only celebrating or participating in things once, but it is representing these events all year round. Schools need to be active and supportive in promoting all events including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues. Schools need to be encourage all cultures from around the world including Indigenous students who are proud of their heritage, where children can have the essential feeling of belonging and the right to be proud of who you are and where you are from.
Remember inclusion is not just what you do, but also why and how you do it. So attitude is a key element in avoiding tokenism. If you are enthusiastic, happy, involved and genuine then this, will show children will respond the same way.
Having strong policies and practices which help avoid tokenism. Talk about and discuss with your staff to ensure you are not being tokenistic by reflecting, observing, evaluating and being open to