Article Summary 5: "Othering" in Adult Education

This is a summary of the article "Othering in Education" written by Sadia Habib and summarized by Tait Coles.

This article can be read here.

Othering in Education

By Sadia Habib

Key Points:

David Cameron attempts to implement English test for Muslims on a spousal-visa program to show they are progressing in English as a way to fight radicalism
English as a second language programs have had a huge cut in funding in the UK
David Cameron is promoting idea of “othering” in education
There is intention in “otherness” to exclude or separate a group of people based on any type of demographic
Actively reinforces a power hierarchy
Eurocentric curriculum also encourages and affirms the idea of “otherness” in a classroom setting
Teachers must fight this idea of “othering” by getting to know their students and structuring their class and curriculum around the various identities of their students
A pedagogy that incorporates diversity and multiculturalism encourages students to challenge their preconceptions or ideas and stereotypes they have learned in the past
This type of culturally relevant pedagogy sees diversity in students as an asset rather than something that needs to be overcome or students that need to assimilate to the British way and culture
Transformative education is necessary to counter the hegemonic ideas that are being put forth by political and social leaders such as David Cameron and others