In this activity, students explore the concept of unconscious bias by completing a bias test and reflecting on their personal results. Through individual and group reflection, they develop self-awareness and critical thinking about how hidden assumptions can influence perceptions and behavior. By creating space for honest dialogue and guided reflection, the activity encourages empathy, openness, and respectful discussion. This process not only deepens students’ understanding of themselves, but also supports the development of more inclusive attitudes and behaviors within the classroom.
- Activity goal
- Practice skills | Reflect
- When
- In class | Pre class
- Where
- Offline
- Duration
- < 30 minutes | < 60 minutes
- Group size
- Small | Medium
Step-by-step plan
Step 1: Introduction
Explain to students that we all have unconscious biases and that becoming aware of them helps us create more inclusive and fair environments. In this activity students will complete a bias test to uncover hidden associations and reflect on the results.
Step 2: Bias test
Choose a bias test and give students time to complete it. You can for example use the test 'Project Implicit' from Harvard University. Explain that the results of the test could make you feel uncomfortable and normalize this by explaining that feeling uneasy is part of the learning process. Invite students to be honest and curious, emphasize that the class is a safe space to explore.
Step 3: Individual reflection
Let students reflect individually on the results of their test. Reflection question to use could be:
- What surprised you in the results?
- What felt unconfortable? Why?
- What have you learned about yourself?
- How can you challenge your unconscious biases?
- How can you create new associations?
Step 4: Group reflection
Let student share their reflections in groups or in pairs. What do they take away from this activity?
Consider the tools and materials mentioned here as suggestions. In many cases it’s possible to use alternative tools. Please turn to the Learning & Innovation team of your faculty first to see which online and offline tools are available and how to apply them.
Offline
- Laptops to complete the test
- Pen and paper for individual reflection
- Project Implicit (Harvard University) or a similar tool
Tip 1
- Invite students to spend 10–15 minutes on a freewriting exercise, recording all thoughts, feelings, and reactions that arise while reflecting on their test results.
Tip 2
- Emphasize that there are no right or wrong responses, this is for personal reflection.
Tip 3
- Remind students that the activity is not about labeling anyone as biased or bad. Reinforce that the classroom is a safe space to explore, reflect, and learn from discomfort.
Tip 4
- After reflection, invite students to write down 1–2 concrete actions they can take to challenge their unconscious biases. For example, this could be seeking diverse perspectives, questioning assumptions or practicing inclusive language.
