Unlearn Pod

In this episode of UNLEARN, my supervisors,  Tara Pond  (she/her) and  Sylvia Hach  (she/her), join me in unpacking some of the latest gender statistics from Aotearoa New Zealand. We explore the 2023 Census data, perhaps surprising findings from the Growing Up in New Zealand study, and why these numbers matter to us educators. Statistics are powerful tools that can help us challenge our biases and expand our understanding of gender diversity—but only if we’re open to unlearning. Tara and Sylvia share their journeys with data, explain how biases affect our interpretation of statistics, and discuss what these insights mean for creating more inclusive classrooms. We also reflect on the courage of young people embracing their identities, the importance of language in fostering belonging, and the responsibility we educators have to be role models for inclusion. Resources mentioned in this episode: 2023 Census shows 1 in 20 adults belong to Aotearoa New Zealand’s LG...

Kia ora, and welcome back to UNLEARN! I’m Milla (she/her), an educator and researcher, and in this second episode, I’m reflecting on the values that currently drive my commitment to gender inclusion in education. So far this journey has taught me that unlearning biases—especially around gender—is not just about understanding others but about questioning the privileges and assumptions I’ve held for so long.  Since I'm asking you to reflect and unlearn, I start by doing that myself. I share some reflections on the discomfort that recognising privilege and the responsibility that comes with it creates. Through my stories and examples, I unpack how misinformation, rigid beliefs, and fear can hinder our journeys towards inclusivity—and how we, as educators, can take steps to address these obstacles with empathy, respect, courage and grace. In this episode  I also explain why mental models are at the heart of change in what my research is about.  Whether you’re an educator, all...