In a recent article for Scientific American, University of Maryland Professor Melanie Killen highlights the importance of schools in teaching children about fairness and the consequences of excluding others. She discusses the research conducted in the College of Education that focuses on reducing prejudice and promoting justice in educational settings.
Killen emphasizes that discrimination can have a negative impact on children’s well-being and academic performance. She suggests that schools could do more to create a welcoming environment for all students. By understanding children’s moral development and the reasoning they use to navigate social situations, educators can help them learn how to address issues of fairness and inclusion.
Through decades of research, Killen and her colleagues have identified effective strategies for encouraging children to speak out against stereotypes and biases. By helping children understand why social exclusion is unfair and encouraging them to stand up for what is right, schools can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. Read more in Scientific American to learn about the research and strategies proposed by Killen and her team.