My positionality: To preface this post, I am engaging in this work as a co-learner rather than an expert. As a racialized woman and a life-long learner, my role as an anti-racist teacher involves knowing the students and families in front of me to create equitable learning experiences to ensure students feel a sense of belonging and community. This means doing the heart and hard work of learning and unlearning.
Cultivating an equity mindset isn’t a checklist—it’s a lifelong journey. It involves continual reflection, deep listening, and a commitment to shifting how we see and support our students. In this article, we’re exploring another powerful shifts that can transform our practice: Curiosity over Judgement
Shift # 2 Curiosity Over Judgment
As educators committed to equity habits of mind, we’re often encouraged to reflect on our beliefs, assumptions, and practices. One of the most powerful mindset shifts we can make is choosing curiosity over judgment—especially when student behavior or academic performance challenges us.
It’s natural to feel frustrated when a student is disengaged, or underperforming. But equity-minded educators pause to ask:
- What might this student be experiencing?
- What is happening beneath the surface?
- What can I shift in my practice to meet this student’s needs?
This approach moves us toward deeper understanding.
The Iceberg of Culture: Looking Beneath the Surface
To fully embrace curiosity, we must also deepen our understanding of what influences student behavior and learning. This is where the Iceberg of Culture comes in—a framework that reminds us that only a small portion of culture is visible above the surface. See the photo below to explore the three surfaces of culture.
What we visibly see in students:
- Language use
- Behavior
- Dress
- Eye contact
- Participation style
- Physical Ability
But what lies beneath includes (not extensive):
- Family expectations and roles
- Socioeconomic realities
- Past trauma or displacement
- Cultural values (e.g., collectivism vs. individualism)
- Experiences with racism or bias
- Language proficiency and identity
Just like an iceberg, the most impactful elements are hidden—and they profoundly shape how students engage with school.
When we take the time to learn about our students, we build empathy.
This shift in perspective leads to deeper understanding and culturally responsive supports that honour each student’s lived experience.
