A former primary teaching student at the University of Chichester has contributed to the educational discourse on race and ethnicity after her undergraduate research was selected for publication.
Gillian Willis' study–Why do Mirrors Lie?–which was published in a recent edition of nationally-recognised journal Teaching Race and Ethnicity, explores the phenomenon of racial stereotyping within a primary school setting.
Willis said the research and the title of the article was inspired by a comment made by her son Thomas, nine, who after visiting family in Tobago, wondered why he was considered white in Tobago, yet black in England.
Looking at his reflection in the mirror, he asked his mother: "Why do the mirrors lie?"Her son's words instigated her undergraduate research project as part of her primary teaching degree.
Willis' research findings highlight children's perceptions of race and ethnicity and the importance for teachers to challenge stereotypical views. She found that children made judgments based on their underlying assumptions of race and ethnicity, and makes a call for more informed teaching in this area.
This is a particular issue within schools of predominately white children who are found to internalise skin colour as a basis for making judgments, according to the research.
Willis' aim is for the article to help teachers realise and understand the importance of educating children in ways that will interrupt cycles of racism and prepare children to live harmoniously in a modern, multi-ethnic society.
On publication of her research, Willis said she was thrilled to have made this contribution to knowledge.
She added: "I hope that schools and academics can use my findings to help develop their practice and help progress this issue in primary schools. Racial stereotyping needs to be understood and schools have an obligation to teach this so that they can develop children's awareness."
Glenn Stone, senior lecturer at the University's Institute of Education, said: "I am delighted with Gillian's success and how she has exceeded her expectations as a first-time researcher. As part of our University's research strategy we want to develop a community of research, and I hope that Gillian's experience will inspire other undergraduate students to contribute to this community."
�2 The full publication can be accessed from: Willis, G and Lander, V (2015) 'Why do Mirrors Lie?', Race Equality Teaching journal, Volume 33 number 2 pp.32-42. (University of Chichester)
ABOUT GILLIAN WILLIS
Gillian Willis was born in Sangre Grande. She attended the Guaico Presbyterian School and then went on to St Augustine Girls' High School, St Augustine.
Willis then attended the College of Allied Health and Sciences where she received a diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology. She also graduated with a diploma in teaching from the Valsayn Teachers' College.
It was then on to the world of teaching at Jubilee Presbyterian School in Tamana, where Willis taught for three years and was transferred to Grosvenor Presbyterian School in Sangre Grande, where she taught for six years.
Willis moved to Tobago after getting married in 2002, and taught at the Bucco Government School, and then Scarborough RC School for six years before migrating to England.
At the University of Chichester, England, Willis studied for a degree in Primary Education and Teaching. She graduated in 2014 with First Class Honours. The research for her study on race and ethnicity was done in her final year at university. Dr Vini Lander worked with her as a research supervisor to guide, hone and polish the research, and then arranged to have it published.
Willis was invited by the university to present her piece titled Why Do The Mirrors Lie?, at a research conference in 2014.