“The concept of positionality is not just about acknowledging one’s own identity or standpoint; it is also about being aware of the ways in which one’s position intersects with others’ positions… Positionality is not a static entity but rather a dynamic and fluid concept that shifts and changes over time.” (Gani, 2024)
As a Lecturer on the BA Acting and Performance at WCA with a diverse pool of international students and most varying educational needs, my positionality is shaped by a commitment to equity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness in teaching and learning. Drawing from Bayeck’s exploration of positionality, I recognise the interplay of space, context, and identity in shaping my role as an educator within this dynamic and complex learning environment.
My positionality is informed by my own identities, experiences, and privileges, as a Black Queer Foreign-born educator and practitioner, as well as the socio-cultural contexts within which I operate and of course where I came from. As a facilitator of learning, I acknowledge the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and educational needs of my students, and I strive to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where all voices are valued and respected.
Furthermore, I recognise the importance of reflexivity and self-awareness in navigating the complexities of positionality. I continuously interrogate my own biases, assumptions, and power dynamics to ensure that my teaching practices are responsive to the diverse needs and experiences of my students.
Informed by Bayeck’s insights, my positionality statement underscores a commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment that honours the unique identities and experiences of each of my students. By centring positionality in my teaching approach, I aim to create opportunities for meaningful dialogue, critical reflection, and transformative learning experiences that empower students to thrive academically, artistically, and personally.
“This awareness of one’s own positionality is essential for developing a more nuanced understanding of oneself and others… By recognising the complexities of one’s own positionality, educators can begin to dismantle dominant discourses and challenge power dynamics.” (Gani, 2024)
My statement here attempts to demonstrate my commitment to this awareness and recognition, acknowledging the importance of interrogating my own biases and power dynamics to create a more inclusive learning environment.
References:
BAYECK, Rebecca Y. Positionality: The Interplay of Space, Context and Identity. International Journal of Qualitative Methods (2022). https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221114745
GANNI, Jasmine K. et al, Positionality Statements as a Function of Coloniality: Interrogating
Reflexive Methodologies. International Studies Quarterly (2024) https://research-portal.st-andrews.ac.uk/files/301090306/Gani-2024-Positionality-statements-as-ISQ-sqae038-CCBYNC.pdf