Teaching can be a scary profession, but being a student can be a rather scary dilemma also. In our world full of violence, hate, discrimination and prejudice it can be a real challenge to put twenty-five unique individuals under the guidance of another different individual. How are we expected to guide students to success with so many outside influences and when all of us are so unique? Many in the field of education are seeking to find an answer to the question, but in my mind, there will never be a concrete answer. A classroom is a place where ongoing life is contained in-between four walls and we must embrace it rather than looking for answers.
In class recently, we were assigned to read two articles specifically dealing with violence brought into English classrooms and guidance for teachers to handle the situation. Both of the articles were very interesting and shared great insight into what can occur in a classroom when students are free to express themselves. Heading into the profession of an English teacher, I hope to create a classroom where students are free to ponder life and feel safe to express anything but both of these articles made me realize how this environment can lead to unexpected situations. Often times when class discussions are created the teacher has in mind to discuss only the academic subject at hand but it is crucial to consider relevant topics may arise. Students who are burdened by fighting parents may relate struggles in a book to struggles in the home and divorce could turn into a relevant discussion. Instead of turning the students away from such a discussion, it is crucial for teachers to embrace their thoughts. Fights may pursue, heated debates; but in education we are not only teaching students how to read books but more importantly read themselves.
If violent thoughts are written or discussed in such a class, I feel it necessary to embrace any thoughts the students would like to share. If there is real fear for a student’s life or lives of others then it is our responsibility to take action. In order for students to feel ultimately safe to discuss their own writing, we must allow them to feel safe in the classroom. Safe from students thinking they are stupid or discouraging them to not talk about what is relevant to them.
Ultimately, in our society violence is everywhere, and students will want to talk about and as teachers we should encourage discussing their thoughts. Once they are more comfortable with expressing their thoughts, their writing will improve because they will feel like they have something important to say.
“Responding to Students Who Disclose the Violence in their Lives.” English Journal Vol. 95, No. 6 July 2006
"Teaching English in the World; The Dangerous Profession." English Journal Vol. 95, No.4 March 2006
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1 comment:
I agree that talking about the tough issues in school is essential because some kids don't get to do so anywhere else. But it can be scary. What would you have done if you'd been in the Socratic Seminar class?
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