Active learning ideas
Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination explores the social barriers that prevent equality in Irish society. This topic defines key terms like stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, helping students understand how internal biases can lead to external actions. Students examine the nine grounds of discrimination protected under Irish law (such as age, gender, race, and disability) and the impact that being 'othered' has on individuals and minority communities, including the Traveller community and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Activity 01
Students are shown images of diverse people and write down their 'first three thoughts' about each. They then pair up to discuss where those thoughts came from (media, family, experience) and whether they are based on stereotypes.
What is the difference between a stereotype and prejudice?
Activity 02
Set up nine stations, each representing a ground of discrimination under Irish law (e.g., Religion, Family Status). At each station, groups must read a short scenario and decide if it constitutes legal discrimination or not, and why.
How does discrimination affect individuals and communities?
Activity 03
Divide the class into small groups to role-play a scenario where a friend makes a discriminatory joke. Students must brainstorm and practice three different ways to challenge the comment without losing the friendship.
What laws exist in Ireland to protect people from discrimination?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
I'm not prejudiced, so discrimination isn't my problem.
Students often think discrimination only involves 'bad people.' Active discussion about 'systemic' issues helps them see how silence or lack of inclusion can perpetuate unfairness even if no one is being overtly mean.
Stereotypes are okay if they are 'positive' (e.g., 'all X are good at Y').
Many believe positive stereotypes are harmless. Through peer investigation, students learn that any generalization limits a person's individuality and can still lead to unfair expectations and pressure.
Methods used in this brief
Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Ireland
This topic highlights the changing demographic profile of Ireland and the benefits of a multicultural society. Students learn about different cultures, beliefs, and traditions present in their communities.
8 methodologies
Global Inequality and Human Rights
Students broaden their perspective to examine global issues such as poverty, fair trade, and human rights abuses. They investigate the role of international organisations and NGOs in addressing these challenges.
8 methodologies