Bridging the Gap

In my Asian-American Studies class and in the African-American Issues classes and Latino Studies classes (taught by two other teachers), students will define, discuss, and list stereotypes and preconceived ideas they have about the various ethnic and racial groups on campus (this is an extremely diverse campus).

Using the cameras in groups, students will videotape each other asking the most common questions or stating the common judgments made about the different racial/ethnic groups. This will take place in all three classes. (example: Asian-American studies students will pose questions or state what their notions are about African-Americans.) Strict ground rules will be in place to avoid inappropriate, hateful, or ignorant statements.

Then, the classes will trade clips and review what questions others have about the group to which they belong.

In response, students will select the best questions and videotape their responses and explanations. This will help dispel stereotypes and allow students to gain a more authentic understanding of other groups. They will also be able to see things from a different perspective. At this point, they will edit the selected questions along with their responses together into a video. Instructions for downloading video and editing will be given

Each movie will be viewed by all classes. If appropriate, one or two can be broadcast on the school's daily television broadcast.