- A first step toward developing critical thinking skills about discrimination is a solid understanding of the concept. Depending on your group's age, introduce concepts that explain discrimination: difference, diversity, stereotyping, bias, racism. Discuss each term, what it means, what it looks like and how it feels. Keep a written record of the discussion that will let you make connections between the various concepts as the discussion advances.
- Lead a "Fact or Feeling?" activity. Start by discussing the difference between a factual statement, that is, a statement that can be proved, and a statement that is simply a matter of personal opinion. Provide the group a list of statements and ask them to identify each as "fact" or "opinion", for instance: "People who wear glasses are smart" and "People who wear glasses have poor eyesight." Go over the statements and discuss the responses to each statement; for each one identified as fact, ask for supporting evidence.
- Invite your group to break into smaller groups and create a mind map. Ask each group to select a moderator and a recorder; the moderator will keep the conversation on track; the recorder will record the group's ideas. Give each group one or more large sheets of paper and instruct the groups to write the word "discrimination" at the center of one sheet. Then ask them to answer the following questions: "What is discrimination?" "Where does discrimination start?" "What purpose does discrimination serve?" "Who discriminates? Against whom?" As the group explores issues associated with discrimination, the recorder will write their thoughts down. Instruct the groups to review their maps and connect related thoughts. Discuss each group's map.
- Use a case study to raise your group's understanding and awareness of discrimination. Begin with a real example, if you can find one that is age appropriate. Read the case together and go over the details to make certain everyone understands. Ask group members to identify the relevant facts; following the "fact or feeling" exercise, make certain they can verify the facts and distinguish them from opinion. As the group discusses the case, listen for comments that suggest a lack of understanding or a tendency to excuse discrimination. Encourage them to explain their thoughts.
