Reflection · intermediate · 30 min
Unconscious Bias Reflection
This method encourages participants to reflect on their own unconscious biases through guided prompts and personal reflection. It helps to identify potential biases and consider their impact on interactions and decision-making.
What participants gain
- Identify personal unconscious biases.
- Understand the impact of bias on cross-cultural interactions.
- Develop strategies to mitigate personal biases.
- Increase self-awareness regarding bias in decision-making.
Materials needed
- Printed reflection prompts
- Pens
- Paper
- Timer
- Quiet space for reflection
How to run Unconscious Bias Reflection, step by step
- Introduce the concept of unconscious bias and its impact.
- Distribute reflection prompts and explain the purpose of each prompt.
- Allow 15 minutes for individual reflection on the prompts.
- Facilitate a group discussion where participants share their reflections (optional).
- Summarize key learnings and strategies for mitigating bias.
Facilitator tips
- Create a safe and non-judgmental environment for sharing reflections.
- Encourage participants to be honest with themselves and others.
- Provide examples of common unconscious biases to stimulate thinking.
Common challenges
- Participants are hesitant to admit biases - Emphasize that everyone has biases and this is a learning opportunity.
- Discussions become heated - Remind participants to be respectful and focus on personal reflections.
- Participants struggle to identify their own biases - Provide specific examples and prompts to guide their thinking.
Running it virtually
Use a virtual whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural for sharing reflections anonymously. Encourage participants to use the chat function for private reflections if they prefer.
Expected results
Participants will identify at least three of their own unconscious biases and reflect on how these biases might affect their interactions with students and colleagues. They will also develop a plan for mitigating these biases.
Build a session around Unconscious Bias Reflection
METODIC drops Unconscious Bias Reflection into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.