New e-learning tutorial on unconscious bias
ETH members are now able to learn more about unconscious bias. A new e-learning tutorial, launched as part of the university’s Respect campaign, explains how unconscious bias arises, the possible consequences it can have, and how we can consciously avoid it in future.
Most of us are familiar with this type of scenario. For example, we may automatically speak with a person of colour (PoC) in standard German or English but are then quite surprised when they respond in very broad Swiss German. Quite unintentionally we may have hurt their feelings – a classic example of unconscious bias. Such biased thinking is due to the fact that our brain is trained to make incredibly rapid judgements – that’s one of its key functions. People subconsciously make several thousand decisions a day, some of them not always the right ones.
Stereotyping – and its consequences
We all have a certain degree of unconscious bias, shaped by our background, our environment and our personal experiences. That’s precisely why the e-learning tutorial “Unconscious Bias” is aimed at all ETH members, as Julia Dannath, Vice President for Personnel Development and Leadership, stresses: “We all like to think we are open-minded and objective in our thinking, and for the most part make carefully considered, rational decisions. However, psychological research shows that our self-awareness in this area can often be deceptive.”
The e-learning tutorial “Unconscious Bias” explains how to become more aware of this bias and provides an insight into the scope and depth of its unintended consequences. These can be quite damaging: people may unintentionally be excluded or discriminated against, or the most promising solution to a problem overlooked.
Consciously thinking and acting in an inclusive manner
Similar to the existing online tutorial dealing with sexual harassment in everyday studies and work, the new e-learning module on unconscious bias comprises interactive elements and works with case studies. The tutorial lasts about 70 minutes and can be completed all at once or in stages. It gives ETH members a deeper understanding of some of the pitfalls in our thinking and equips them with mechanisms for counteracting unconscious bias.
The tutorial also helps to broaden their social and leadership competencies in the area of “Living inclusion”. Julia Dannath explains: “We cannot completely eradicate unconscious bias. But we can work on our self-awareness, become more self-critical and thereby encourage inclusive thinking and behaviour. Ultimately the entire ETH culture stands to benefit from this development.”
E-Learning "Unconscious Bias"
The e-learning tutorial takes about 70 minutes and can be completed in stages.
E-learning Moodle Login
Password (Details)
You can also find instructions on how to log in on the Respect website.
Online panel discussion “Unconscious bias at the university – what, where and how”
Gudrun Sander, a professor specialising in Diversity Management at the University of St Gallen, VPPL Julia Dannath and VSETH Executive Board member Jannik Kochert discuss unconscious bias and how it affects the university.
The talk will be conducted in German and be accompanied by automatic subtitles in German and English.
Tuesday, 9 May 2023, 4 to 5 p.m.
Please join the discussion via this external page Zoom link.
It will be made available as a recording afterwards for all those who cannot participate live.
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