diff --git a/common/djangoapps/request_cache/middleware.py b/common/djangoapps/request_cache/middleware.py
index 72c6d4114e..7690eac5ba 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/request_cache/middleware.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/request_cache/middleware.py
@@ -18,7 +18,11 @@ class RequestCache(object):
         """
         return _request_cache_threadlocal.request
 
-    def clear_request_cache(self):
+    @classmethod
+    def clear_request_cache(cls):
+        """
+        Empty the request cache.
+        """
         _request_cache_threadlocal.data = {}
         _request_cache_threadlocal.request = None