How can our common values help us unlearn and embrace gender diversity? Episode 2 - UNLEARN

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, ally, or just curious, I hope this episode invites you to join me in unlearning what it means to foster true belonging for every student - that we see you all. 

Reflective questions relating to UNLEARN Episode 2:

Your Driving Values - Take a moment to think about the values that drive you, whether in teaching, work, or life in general. Which ones do you find yourself returning to when things get challenging?

Challenging Assumptions - What are some assumptions you hold about gender, race, or culture? How might these reflect systemic norms or privileges? What could change if you challenged them?

Making Students Feel Seen - How do you make your students feel seen? What small changes could you make to show them they are valued for who they truly are, even if their gender does not for example fit the binary view? 

Breaking Silence - Think about when you are silent or passive about issues that actually matter to you? What’s one small conversation you could start this week to build a more inclusive environment?

Starting Small - Which habit, belief, norm, or privilege could you revisit this week to help you create a safer, more gender-inclusive space? What small step can you take to turn this reflection into action?

Here are the same reflective questions in a printable and sharable pdf format. 

Resources

• Join this Chariot - Christian Schools Supporting Rainbow Students’ Wellbeing (InsideOUT)
• Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission (Aotearoa New Zealand)
• If you have never done the Blindspot's Race test, I recommend you to do it! (Harvard)

This podcast is part of my Design Based Research, and if you want to send any feedback or feedforward you can either message me on Instagram @unlearnpod or email me at unlearnpodcast@gmail.com