I use this exercise in the first week of my SOC 206 class (Sex &
Gender in Society). It helps to get students talking to one another,
helps them to learn a little about each other, and encourages them
to challenge the all too common gender stereotypes of our culture.
I think it could easily be adapted to include any type of stereotype
and can be generalized to be appropriate as a “get to know
you” activity for any course.
- First, I have students answer the following questions:
- What is a stereotype about your gender that you don’t
think applies to you?
- What is a stereotype about the opposite gender that you
do think applies to you?
- What is a stereotype about your gender that really bothers
you, and why?
- I then divide the class into two groups. If there are an odd
number of students, I will join them in order to have an even
number.
- The two groups line up facing each other, so that each student
has a partner across from them. This can usually be done in the
front of the room with smaller classes or can be adapted into
two or more lines for large classes or smaller rooms. I tried
to do it in the hallway once, but we made too much noise and disturbed
the other classes on the hall!
- I ask the students to share their answers with each other.
When they are done sharing, one line moves down one person so
that each student is now facing someone new. We repeat the process
two or three times.
- Afterwards we discuss the common stereotypes that we heard and
discuss how and why people object to their use and application.
This discussion usually raises awareness about why stereotypes
are harmful.
- For my Sex & Gender course, this activity fits in with some
of the learning objectives of the first week of class. However,
it also provides an opportunity for students to learn something
about one another and to challenge the stereotypes that they might
have about each other. I think this can be valuable in any classroom
setting.
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