Dangers of Implementing Social Identity Theory in ESL classrooms

ESL classrooms have the potential to benefit from SIT (Social Identity Theory), but this theory carries more potential risks and pitfalls more often than not. Understanding these potential backfires and fallacies is crucial for creating an effective and inclusive learning environment. Yes, SIT can help create “Safe Spaces” by tending to a specific group of individuals to provide a safe space where students feel respected and valued, reducing the likelihood of negative out-group feelings. However, it can also do so much more damage. Instead of creating an environment where students can feel safe to question their identity, explore and grow their minds, this approach basically stunts this effort of developing the minds of our students. Although this 1970’s theory falls under the trending ideology of fostering “inclusivity” and "cohesion” in the classroom, in the document link below, I will list the drawbacks and disappointing effects of implementing the practices based on this theory in our ESL classrooms in the following pages. Afterwards, I will list some effective and preventive strategies to combat these unwanted and distressing outcomes of SIT.

Read more here: https://www.academia.edu/123196209/Dangers_of_Implementing_Social_Identity_Theory_SIT_in_ESL_classrooms