Bias as a Natural Side Effect of Knowledge
What is bias, according to the APA it is as follows:
partiality: an inclination or predisposition for or against something.
We know that all people have bias', Coke over Pepsi and Pepperoni over Sausage. But how do bias's come into play when it comes to people learning and becoming more knowledgeable?
The first of two bias's is, intrinsic to learning and primarily useful and empowering to the learner. Our friend to the left learned in the first Jurassic Park about the ground shaking and creating the ripples of water. Now in the second film this knowledge has impowered him and he knows what is coming. In this case, it is a helpful bias.
The second way bias takes place is when prior knowledge gets in the way or undermines new incoming information. Often times there can be an overwhelming amount of science or information on a topic but people still hold their previous view/bias. Often people seek out information that backs what they already believe and reject differing ideas.
How can these two types of bias's come into play in the classroom?
Although the first one mention about Jurassic Park was a positive, it could also work in a negative fashion.
What if a teacher had one bad student that looked, acted, and spoke a certain way and then treated others the same way even if they weren't bad but were similar in some ways? Could the learned bias cause unfair treatment of other students in the future?
What about the second way, how could ones prior knowledge get in the way in the classroom?
Let's consider the topic of discipline. Teachers may have their own thoughts on it and how it should be done. There is certainty new research that shows old ways are not the best but maybe our bias will stop us from changing.
Take a look at this short video. It explores how bias's can potentially effect a student.