The gender lens that the article I read suggested that it be utilized, not just for women, but for all, is an indication that utilizing multiple frameworks and lenses is essential when preparing to facilitate or teach a class. My learning partner and I discussed a number of things, one of them, an indication that we, as instructors may be teaching in very different disciplines and that this may direct our approach. It was clear to me from reading both articles on game-based learning and gender frameworks, that progressive teaching includes reflexive practice. We both work in different contexts. I have worked in a technology sector. My last job was in a male-dominated field, creating learning objects for online courses. I was always the one to adapt or put up with various employment behavior that has been normalized.

For example, going out for drinks after work, privileges male employees. This appears on the surface like a benign informal gathering. Who would object to doing this? We’ve all chosen our path…if parents can’t attend, what is the big deal? However, gatherings like this privileges those who aren’t parents, mostly women, who may not bear family responsibilities. In my case, going out for an informal drink, would require a great deal of planning in advance. Knowing that this collegial informal gathering builds community within a workplace, and if certain employees are not able to be present, it can disadvantage them from full participation and various opportunities in the workplace. 

How does this relate to teaching? This also occurs in classrooms. Opportunities to connect with other students, instructors, and simple access to education can be more difficult for women who may have families at home, children to put to bed, make dinner for… and the list goes on. Sometimes this is why online courses can be attractive to female students with many other responsibilities and identities. In order to fulfill professional development or university degrees, the flexibility of online education can offer opportunities where traditional classrooms cannot. 

This has assisted me in completing my degree and enabled me to take this program. I’m a single parent and would need a lot of support, financial and childcare, if I was to take this program in person.  Even the ability to take one or a few courses this way, enables me to participate. 

This barrier that disproportionately affects women, can be ameliorated if online education is possible. This is just one aspect a critical feminist lens can assist with awareness which is integral to adult education. Considering who has access to education and why, who has had access historically, and how those mind frames may still be in play, even in North America, is important. 

How this affects my teaching practice?

Always remaining vigilant regarding inclusivity and ensuring equity in digital or traditional classrooms enhances opportunities for all students. Flexibility is an integral aspect of this. I’ve had the benefit of instructors offering me flexibility because of last-minute family emergencies, or simple overload not allowing me to adhere to timelines. Ensuring that I remain compassionate, empathetic and understanding my students is imperative to creating space for a critical feminist perspective. Remembering that adult learners are directing their own learning, and a solid reminder about viewing education as a journey, rather than

In terms of preparation, ensuring that I am aware of who my students are, and continuing to seek out scholarly material on this perspective can help me to understand how I can incorporate a feminist lens into pedagogy to benefit all students. Introductions to share a bit of who we all are in the first week of classes can assist with understanding each student, and their story. Another way of incorporating this framework is to create a safe space by sharing something of myself, and ensuring that flexibility in terms of customizing assignments, deadlines, and creating an open atmosphere are important first steps.

English (2019) indicates that a feminist lens does not only privilege women, but women-identifying individuals, LGTBQ2S, parents, and ensures those typically marginalized, and without access, are included or given a voice. Equity is an integral aspect of this pedagogy and noting that using a feminist lens, provides an increasingly progressive framework with which to include and value more perspectives than the traditional hegemonic mainstream values.

References

English, L. M. (2019). Re-Infusing Adult Education with a Critical Feminist Framework: Inspiration from Mary Parker Follett. In Power and Possibility (pp. 97-105). Brill Sense. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004413320_009