COLLEGE PARK, MD (February, 2014) What factors contribute to children's focus on fairness rather than prejudice? What can teachers and schools do to promote positive learning environments for all children?
These questions will frame a research-based presentation by Dr. Melanie Killen entitled "Children and Diversity: Promoting Equality, Tolerance and Fairness," as part of the Professional Development School partnership between the Early Childhood Education Program in the College of Education and Montgomery County Public Schools. In the presentation and ensuing conversation, Dr. Killen will engage teachers, specialists, and administrators, as well as University teacher candidates and faculty in a discussion of effective strategies for promoting fairness and inclusiveness in school environments.
"We have shown that children develop an understanding of fairness early in childhood. At the same time, children develop group affiliations which often result in 'us' versus 'them' or in-groups and out-groups," Dr. Killen says of her research. "Children are both the recipients and perpetuators of negative attitudes based on gender, race, and ethnicity. But when certain conditions are in place, intergroup contact as well as school climate can serve as vehicles for positive social development for all children."
Dr. Killen's groundbreaking research on children's ideas about race was the focus of a five-day story for the CNN news-magazine show Anderson Cooper 360. Killen constructed and led a study exploring how kids view interracial peer encounters in their daily lives, how their opinions on race are shaped, and how early they form those opinions. AC360s report on the study, broadcast in April 2012, won a 2013 Emmy for Outstanding News Discussion and Analysis.
Dr. Killen's presentation will take place on February 20 at Roscoe Nix Elementary School. Dr. Brenda Jones-Harden will moderate the post-presentation discussion.
Dr. Melanie Killen is a professor in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology and the author of Children and Social Exclusion: Morality, Prejudice, and Group Identity. She serves as associate director for UMD's Center for Children, Relationships, and Culture.
Dr. Brenda Jones-Harden is an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology. Her research examines the developmental and health needs of young children at environmental risk, with particular focus on maltreated foster and prenatally drug-exposed children.
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