Name _____________________

Period ________________________
Date __________________________

A Class Divided: A Lesson in Discrimination

In April of 1968, Jane Elliott, an elementary school teacher from a small all-white community, watched in
horror of the news of Martin Luther King, Jr.s assassination. In A Class Divided, the program describes Ms.
Elliots controversial lesson to teach her third grade students about racial bias and discrimination. The lesson
has an enduring impact on her students.
Although this experiment took place more than thirty years ago, it suggests that the crusade to end racial bias in
this country is not over yet.
Film: a class divided
Directions: While watching the film, please answer the following questions below.

The Daring Lesson

Give a summary of what is happening in this lesson (2-3 sentences)

What is Jane Elliotts purpose for doing this lesson?

How does Jan Elliott engage with her students?

Day 2
Give a summary of what is happening in this segment (2-3 sentences)

How do the students react differently in Day 2?

Teaching it to Adults
How do the adults react to their discrimination?

What are some differences you notice between the reactions of the adults and the reactions of the children?

After the film

In the film, we have encountered how children and adults implement, deal, and recognize social issues
specifically racial prejudice. Answer the following critical thinking questions that pertain to social issues as a
whole in our society. This will assist you in thinking about social issues that are pertinent in our society and
how we deal with them.
Directions: Now that you have watched the film, answer the following questions below:
1. How do you define a social problem?

2. Are social problems the result of an individual or a social system?

3. What are causes of social problems, and what are the relationships between those causes?

4. How do different values, beliefs, and norms affect the definition of social problems?