For some reason my blogger said I'm not supported by Blogger anymore so I wasn't able to post my videos. So here are my videos.
Ira Shor
EMPOWERING EDUCATION
Empowerment in schools.
Empowerment is a priority
Where does America stand?
Friday, April 20, 2012
EMPOWERING EDUCATION, Critical Teaching for Social Change
Ira Shor
Quotes
I will be basing my blog around Ira Shor's quoted throughout the passage on does empowering education exist and benefit students and teachers in an academic setting? Socialization is one of the best practices in teaching democracy in and out of the classroom. But does this exist where teachers are faced with strict curriculum's and lesson plans? Does our educational system allow and provide growth to our children to face real life situations? Letting children think, analyze and be critical of their education system seems to be the answer but education administrators seem to disagree with all of the do's and don't teachers have to face. What is the definition of empowerment mean? It means to invest with power, especially legal power or official authority. Ira Shor defines empowerment by a critical-democratic pedagogy for self and social change. It is a student-centered program for multicultural democracy in school and society. It approaches individual growth as an active, cooperative, and social process, because the self and society create each other. On page 16, Shor states to build a democratic and empowering classroom, "To build this kind of society, empowering education invites students to become skilled workers and thinking citizens who are also change agents and social critics. Now she's not saying that the kids have absolute power but that they have a voice and must be listened to. To formulate opinions and ask why is this relevant and to relate it to their lives in and outside of their classroom. Children should not be only seen but also heard. They should have an opportunity to fight for a quality of life in which all human beings benefit. The teachers and students should be able to negotiate, requiring leadership by the teacher and mutual-teacher student authority. It is not individualistic but works hand in hand with the student to teacher relationship and vice-versa. Another quote that stood out was the issue of power that controls individuals who are told they do live in freedom and democracy. While in today's society power controls every aspect of life, work and education people are subservient in that they feel as if they have no choice or say. They accept and go along with what the government says and does. On page 19, Shor argues "Students come of age in a society where average people do not participate in governance, in framing major purposes, in making policy, or in having a strong voice in media and public affairs." Hmmm. sounds quite familiar with us college students where tuition has become very expensive and had dramatically increased over the past decade. Yeah we argue and complain but the people in power still continue to increase tuition. Where 20 grand gets you a bachelor's degree, but doesn't guarantee a job. Now you have to get a master's and sometimes a doctorate to separate you from the rest. Or you are living in a society where jobs aren't readily available, so you must move across the country to land a job with sometimes increased pay but higher taxes and higher living expenses. Now relating it to the primary grades, children with no voice aren't heard. Even when they have a voice educational institutions are strictly authoritarian where you do as the teacher says. That everything the teacher is teaching you is for the best success in and outside of the classroom. Hmmm. Socialization is a big part of developing relationships and thinking and acting to gain an understanding of how the real world is. Educational institutions manipulate the children as if they were robots and look down on any form of resistance. They say resistance only harbors on the educational instruction of children and teachers. Teachers and administrative personnel have a hard time lending their voice or resisting too. Bottom line is resistance is bad for school, society and life. If this is the case, what are all the lesson plans, textbooks and social media teaching our kids about democracy? That we are told we live in a democratic society but we aren't able to attain it? I'm just saying... Another quote I wanted to point out was when Shor stated, "A critical and empowering class begins by examining its subject matter from the student's point of view and by helping students see themselves as knowledgeable people." This stuck out to me because I've practiced this method and have found great results every time. When you present children with a writing task, they begin the learning process by practicing what they already know. Though they don't know this, but they reciprocate what has been taught to them and learn from other's mistakes and improvements. Where areas are not so easily learned, they can learn it through collaborative learning. The students teach each other old and new concepts and it helps them apply it in the present and future. They become peer reviews on each other and themselves. They constantly compare and contrast and take into consideration of other's feelings and attitudes. They are brought in, hopefully, a socialized environment where they interact with each other and the teacher. They also begin to learn how to demonstrate how to properly engage in a democratic setting. As Shor states, "it promotes student autonomy and a learning community in class." All done in a simple writing exercise that promoted socialization that was students lead.
Some questions I wanted to ask was what teaching methods in your primary and ongoing education stand out? Would you use these same practices in your future placements as teachers? What are the pros and cons of various teaching practices? Do you agree with collaborative teaching? Why or why not? What about debates in classrooms? Are they beneficial? Are we living in a democratic society in school, college, life?
Ira Shor
Quotes
I will be basing my blog around Ira Shor's quoted throughout the passage on does empowering education exist and benefit students and teachers in an academic setting? Socialization is one of the best practices in teaching democracy in and out of the classroom. But does this exist where teachers are faced with strict curriculum's and lesson plans? Does our educational system allow and provide growth to our children to face real life situations? Letting children think, analyze and be critical of their education system seems to be the answer but education administrators seem to disagree with all of the do's and don't teachers have to face. What is the definition of empowerment mean? It means to invest with power, especially legal power or official authority. Ira Shor defines empowerment by a critical-democratic pedagogy for self and social change. It is a student-centered program for multicultural democracy in school and society. It approaches individual growth as an active, cooperative, and social process, because the self and society create each other. On page 16, Shor states to build a democratic and empowering classroom, "To build this kind of society, empowering education invites students to become skilled workers and thinking citizens who are also change agents and social critics. Now she's not saying that the kids have absolute power but that they have a voice and must be listened to. To formulate opinions and ask why is this relevant and to relate it to their lives in and outside of their classroom. Children should not be only seen but also heard. They should have an opportunity to fight for a quality of life in which all human beings benefit. The teachers and students should be able to negotiate, requiring leadership by the teacher and mutual-teacher student authority. It is not individualistic but works hand in hand with the student to teacher relationship and vice-versa. Another quote that stood out was the issue of power that controls individuals who are told they do live in freedom and democracy. While in today's society power controls every aspect of life, work and education people are subservient in that they feel as if they have no choice or say. They accept and go along with what the government says and does. On page 19, Shor argues "Students come of age in a society where average people do not participate in governance, in framing major purposes, in making policy, or in having a strong voice in media and public affairs." Hmmm. sounds quite familiar with us college students where tuition has become very expensive and had dramatically increased over the past decade. Yeah we argue and complain but the people in power still continue to increase tuition. Where 20 grand gets you a bachelor's degree, but doesn't guarantee a job. Now you have to get a master's and sometimes a doctorate to separate you from the rest. Or you are living in a society where jobs aren't readily available, so you must move across the country to land a job with sometimes increased pay but higher taxes and higher living expenses. Now relating it to the primary grades, children with no voice aren't heard. Even when they have a voice educational institutions are strictly authoritarian where you do as the teacher says. That everything the teacher is teaching you is for the best success in and outside of the classroom. Hmmm. Socialization is a big part of developing relationships and thinking and acting to gain an understanding of how the real world is. Educational institutions manipulate the children as if they were robots and look down on any form of resistance. They say resistance only harbors on the educational instruction of children and teachers. Teachers and administrative personnel have a hard time lending their voice or resisting too. Bottom line is resistance is bad for school, society and life. If this is the case, what are all the lesson plans, textbooks and social media teaching our kids about democracy? That we are told we live in a democratic society but we aren't able to attain it? I'm just saying... Another quote I wanted to point out was when Shor stated, "A critical and empowering class begins by examining its subject matter from the student's point of view and by helping students see themselves as knowledgeable people." This stuck out to me because I've practiced this method and have found great results every time. When you present children with a writing task, they begin the learning process by practicing what they already know. Though they don't know this, but they reciprocate what has been taught to them and learn from other's mistakes and improvements. Where areas are not so easily learned, they can learn it through collaborative learning. The students teach each other old and new concepts and it helps them apply it in the present and future. They become peer reviews on each other and themselves. They constantly compare and contrast and take into consideration of other's feelings and attitudes. They are brought in, hopefully, a socialized environment where they interact with each other and the teacher. They also begin to learn how to demonstrate how to properly engage in a democratic setting. As Shor states, "it promotes student autonomy and a learning community in class." All done in a simple writing exercise that promoted socialization that was students lead.
Some questions I wanted to ask was what teaching methods in your primary and ongoing education stand out? Would you use these same practices in your future placements as teachers? What are the pros and cons of various teaching practices? Do you agree with collaborative teaching? Why or why not? What about debates in classrooms? Are they beneficial? Are we living in a democratic society in school, college, life?
Friday, April 13, 2012
Disabled WHO?
From Schooling Children with Down Syndrome, Christopher Kliewer
Quotes
I will be basing today's blog on Kliewer's quotes but I wanted to touch up on a "touchy" subject before I got into his quotes. I have noticed the attention other students witness when I pick-up my students for our tutoring session. I have overheard some students snicker or make comments about those in my group. Saying things like they (my students) need extra help or they go to a special class so they can speak English better. This is far from the truth. Maybe they take longer at comprehension and understanding the material but they are no different than those who experience these types of problems in other academic areas. Well I tell them that I am volunteering my time to students throughout the school for extra reading. This helped them understand that Justin, Jenn, Adriana and Solimar weren't "special" but it was an extracurricular activity. Also I had spent my spring break volunteering in Mrs. Pagan's classroom helping all of the students. But my point is the little remarks students say when other students are pulled out of class for extra help. This makes my students feel insecure and embarrassed but I quickly resolved that problem the first day. Though they aren't suffering from Down syndrome they still have emotions and feelings and shouldn't be embarrassed about getting extra help. We as educators need to diffuse this problem and make it be known that it isn't a bad or embarrassing to get extra help. Our words are very powerful and can quickly fix a problem that may arise by making sure there isn't any negativity from the get go.
On page 206, Kliewer states, "Rather, the mind is forever dynamic, emerging through the multiple relationships formed and re-formed between children and their surroundings." Children's minds and brains are forever growing all the way through adulthood. Children and adults learned through interacting and engaging in dialogue and personal and social involvement. Take for example when your mother continuously tells you not to touch the stove, and you don't listen. Well guess what happens? You get burned and you never do it again. You learn through life experiences. You use your five senses to gain an understanding of what you do and what you don't do. What you like and dislike. Children learn mostly through socially acting and engaging. Forming relationships and bonds as to what you're interests are. Vygotsky makes this a very important concept as this is what shapes and mold a human being.
On page 207, Colleen Madison agrees with Shayne that, "no child was inherently an intellectual burden to a classroom: in fact, she argued each student contributed a unique and potentially valuable dimension in the web of relationships that formed a school community." All children should be viewed equal and that each one brings something different to the table. Not all children are alike but may serve as modifiers in behavior, learning and attention span. What I mean by this is one student may be very in tune and involved with instruction and the other may not but the one who isn't is very creative and imaginative. Qualities in behavior, comprehension and speech may feed on those who don't possess the near qualities of another. Children tend to imitate positive behaviors and through that it creates a social environment where they too want to share the teachers acceptance and gratitude. Though some behaviors may be frowned upon the children quickly know by the teacher's response whether they should act or behave this way. Most of the time they leak off of each other for a positive learning experience and environment but it depends on the teacher's teaching and attention through activities and instruction.
On page 212, Kliewer states school citizenship rejects the idea of a gap between normality and Down syndrome. "Community is not a location within circled wagons configured to keep out those charged with having the differences that matter. It is instead a web of dynamic, constantly shifting relationships that encompass the individual with Down syndrome and all other human beings." Nobody should be left out or categorized due to their disability. We are all human beings and bring many things to the classroom, through experience or our genetic makeup. When you single someone out, you take away the rich educational experience of them and the others. Diversity is not different ethnic races consisting of boys and girls from different social classes but with children with disabilities learning in the same classroom who will benefit from those who don't differ that much from them.
Facts about Down syndrome children
Quotes
I will be basing today's blog on Kliewer's quotes but I wanted to touch up on a "touchy" subject before I got into his quotes. I have noticed the attention other students witness when I pick-up my students for our tutoring session. I have overheard some students snicker or make comments about those in my group. Saying things like they (my students) need extra help or they go to a special class so they can speak English better. This is far from the truth. Maybe they take longer at comprehension and understanding the material but they are no different than those who experience these types of problems in other academic areas. Well I tell them that I am volunteering my time to students throughout the school for extra reading. This helped them understand that Justin, Jenn, Adriana and Solimar weren't "special" but it was an extracurricular activity. Also I had spent my spring break volunteering in Mrs. Pagan's classroom helping all of the students. But my point is the little remarks students say when other students are pulled out of class for extra help. This makes my students feel insecure and embarrassed but I quickly resolved that problem the first day. Though they aren't suffering from Down syndrome they still have emotions and feelings and shouldn't be embarrassed about getting extra help. We as educators need to diffuse this problem and make it be known that it isn't a bad or embarrassing to get extra help. Our words are very powerful and can quickly fix a problem that may arise by making sure there isn't any negativity from the get go.
On page 206, Kliewer states, "Rather, the mind is forever dynamic, emerging through the multiple relationships formed and re-formed between children and their surroundings." Children's minds and brains are forever growing all the way through adulthood. Children and adults learned through interacting and engaging in dialogue and personal and social involvement. Take for example when your mother continuously tells you not to touch the stove, and you don't listen. Well guess what happens? You get burned and you never do it again. You learn through life experiences. You use your five senses to gain an understanding of what you do and what you don't do. What you like and dislike. Children learn mostly through socially acting and engaging. Forming relationships and bonds as to what you're interests are. Vygotsky makes this a very important concept as this is what shapes and mold a human being.
On page 207, Colleen Madison agrees with Shayne that, "no child was inherently an intellectual burden to a classroom: in fact, she argued each student contributed a unique and potentially valuable dimension in the web of relationships that formed a school community." All children should be viewed equal and that each one brings something different to the table. Not all children are alike but may serve as modifiers in behavior, learning and attention span. What I mean by this is one student may be very in tune and involved with instruction and the other may not but the one who isn't is very creative and imaginative. Qualities in behavior, comprehension and speech may feed on those who don't possess the near qualities of another. Children tend to imitate positive behaviors and through that it creates a social environment where they too want to share the teachers acceptance and gratitude. Though some behaviors may be frowned upon the children quickly know by the teacher's response whether they should act or behave this way. Most of the time they leak off of each other for a positive learning experience and environment but it depends on the teacher's teaching and attention through activities and instruction.
On page 212, Kliewer states school citizenship rejects the idea of a gap between normality and Down syndrome. "Community is not a location within circled wagons configured to keep out those charged with having the differences that matter. It is instead a web of dynamic, constantly shifting relationships that encompass the individual with Down syndrome and all other human beings." Nobody should be left out or categorized due to their disability. We are all human beings and bring many things to the classroom, through experience or our genetic makeup. When you single someone out, you take away the rich educational experience of them and the others. Diversity is not different ethnic races consisting of boys and girls from different social classes but with children with disabilities learning in the same classroom who will benefit from those who don't differ that much from them.
Facts about Down syndrome children
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Finn-tastic!
Patrick J. Finn, "Literacy with an Attitude"
Extended Comments, Dortu's Blog
Patrick Finn discusses the differences in education between the working class and the elite and the many problems that arise due to the lack of education for the poor. He sides with the working class and poor because of the rare educational opportunities they receive. It's about the resistance of working class children to the kind of education they typically receive, education designed to make them useful workers and obedient citizens. He talks about the working-class habits of communication and ways of using language that interfere with schooling. It's about a new brand of teachers, followers of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire who are developing effective methods for teaching powerful literacy in American working-class classrooms. It's about teacher networks where teachers devoted to equity and justice find mutual support. Where community organizers bring working-class parents together around education issues and help them mount effective demands for powerful literacy for their children. Obviously privelege and power go hand in hand with the educational opportunities rich and working class social classes receive. The working class receive less substantial education due to their place in society and usually have no say on what type of education their children are receiving. If you have money and you come from the wealthy class, you will obtain a far more better education and better paying jobs. Basically this goes hand in hand with Johnson's "Privelege, Power, and Difference," because your life is determined by your background and wealth. Education differs across the board whether you're rich, working class or poor. Is this right? Far from it depending on who you ask. Wealthy parents are more likely to see nothing wrong with it while you go down the socio-economic classes you will find more problems with the structure of educational opportunities. I'm sorry if I offend anybody but it's a known fact and it's discrimination all over again. We may have made big strides toward ridding out racism but socio-economic class differences are a heavy problem in todays society. Johnson states in his article that our lives are pre-determined while we are in the womb but equality in education is determined by how much money you have. If your parents have money you have a higher chance of succeeding and having a better quality of life. Your chances of survival are far more greater than the poverty stricken student who is living in a "Institution vs. Individual" society. Where your back is against the world and every little move factors in your survival. Well some would say only the strong survive. Well that's hard to do if you're wondering where your next meal is coming from or if your lights are going to be on when you come home from school. Equal opportunities in school should be mandated for all classes, race and genders. It shouldn't depend on how much money you have, the color of your skin etc.. Like Dortu stated, it should depend on merit rather than where you live or how you are classified. The chance of getting into that top notch college or high paying job should depend on your scores and extracurricular programs. Like Finn suggests along with Paolo Freire, we need to start resisting rather than going along with the social norm. Nothing will ever change if we just continue to just go through the motions. Again like Dortu had stated change is hard when you're up against money. Because with money comes power and with power comes respect. Education is key to turning things around for the best and to start we need equal opportunities in order to sustain an equal playing field.
Questions/Comments
How would you enforce change? How would you go about it? Who would you talk to in order not to step on any toes? How would you prepare yourself for the baclkash of the elite parents and society? Is it safer to not say anything at all? Do you see changes in the near future? I agree with Dortu that there are many complications with the educational system but we need to start taking a stand and making a difference but is it possible? Have educators, parents, students and society already been taking a stand and how many changes have been accomplished? We've all experienced disadvantages and unequal opportunities, what are you going to do about it?
Extended Comments, Dortu's Blog
Patrick Finn discusses the differences in education between the working class and the elite and the many problems that arise due to the lack of education for the poor. He sides with the working class and poor because of the rare educational opportunities they receive. It's about the resistance of working class children to the kind of education they typically receive, education designed to make them useful workers and obedient citizens. He talks about the working-class habits of communication and ways of using language that interfere with schooling. It's about a new brand of teachers, followers of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire who are developing effective methods for teaching powerful literacy in American working-class classrooms. It's about teacher networks where teachers devoted to equity and justice find mutual support. Where community organizers bring working-class parents together around education issues and help them mount effective demands for powerful literacy for their children. Obviously privelege and power go hand in hand with the educational opportunities rich and working class social classes receive. The working class receive less substantial education due to their place in society and usually have no say on what type of education their children are receiving. If you have money and you come from the wealthy class, you will obtain a far more better education and better paying jobs. Basically this goes hand in hand with Johnson's "Privelege, Power, and Difference," because your life is determined by your background and wealth. Education differs across the board whether you're rich, working class or poor. Is this right? Far from it depending on who you ask. Wealthy parents are more likely to see nothing wrong with it while you go down the socio-economic classes you will find more problems with the structure of educational opportunities. I'm sorry if I offend anybody but it's a known fact and it's discrimination all over again. We may have made big strides toward ridding out racism but socio-economic class differences are a heavy problem in todays society. Johnson states in his article that our lives are pre-determined while we are in the womb but equality in education is determined by how much money you have. If your parents have money you have a higher chance of succeeding and having a better quality of life. Your chances of survival are far more greater than the poverty stricken student who is living in a "Institution vs. Individual" society. Where your back is against the world and every little move factors in your survival. Well some would say only the strong survive. Well that's hard to do if you're wondering where your next meal is coming from or if your lights are going to be on when you come home from school. Equal opportunities in school should be mandated for all classes, race and genders. It shouldn't depend on how much money you have, the color of your skin etc.. Like Dortu stated, it should depend on merit rather than where you live or how you are classified. The chance of getting into that top notch college or high paying job should depend on your scores and extracurricular programs. Like Finn suggests along with Paolo Freire, we need to start resisting rather than going along with the social norm. Nothing will ever change if we just continue to just go through the motions. Again like Dortu had stated change is hard when you're up against money. Because with money comes power and with power comes respect. Education is key to turning things around for the best and to start we need equal opportunities in order to sustain an equal playing field.
Questions/Comments
How would you enforce change? How would you go about it? Who would you talk to in order not to step on any toes? How would you prepare yourself for the baclkash of the elite parents and society? Is it safer to not say anything at all? Do you see changes in the near future? I agree with Dortu that there are many complications with the educational system but we need to start taking a stand and making a difference but is it possible? Have educators, parents, students and society already been taking a stand and how many changes have been accomplished? We've all experienced disadvantages and unequal opportunities, what are you going to do about it?
Sunday, April 1, 2012
What happened to Esme?
Becoming Something Different: Learning from Esme. Fairbanks, Crooks, and Ariail.
Connections: Meier, Rodriguez, Johnson, Kozol.
I enjoyed reading this article about studying Esmes life from middle school to high school. These three women studied the construct of artifacts, they detail Esme's school history and the resources she used to respond and reposition herself. After reading the first five pages I immediately thought of Institution vs. Individual. I saw the school placing Esme into a remedial class because at first she was considered as needing a large amount of help since English is her second language. She definitely needed this instruction throughout middle and early high school. We then found out that she was doing quite well and that she came along way due to her remedial instruction. The teacher was then going to take her out of the class but Esme said since it was the second semester she just continued with the class. I feel and believe that the teacher and school didn't push Esme enough and guide her to tutoring for her honors classes. She could have taken that remedial class time and used it for her honors classes rather than dropping her courses. Maybe with more guidance, awareness and instruction, Esme maybe would have focused more on her studies so she could of passed the TAKS. I believe the school didn't take an active role in Esme's education but rather placed her somewhere because of her ethnicity and language barrier. Esme's reaction to this was very passive and like "well okay, whatever." Well hello this isn't okay and the teacher wasn't aware of how damaging that attitude was? How detrimental that would be to just kind of give up and take easy classes. Esme wanted to take easy classes because the hard ones were hard because she had no guidance or direction to show her how to make better grades. Like the author's had stated Esme positioned herself by removing herself of difficult times and settling into rather easy ones. Her attitude on graduation was to take easy classes, go to class early and do your homework. Students shouldn't need to conform to easy work, they need to be pushed and challenged to further grow intellectually and socially. This would have made her vocabulary progress significantly and made her a better student. But what Esme did was shape what she thought was successful in her own mind due to the constraints of her home and social life. I believe the school could have done alot more in taking an active part on students like Esme but I soon realized that highly unlikely due to the test scores and graduation rates across the board. Where graduation for these students are based solely on taking easy classes, managing a multicultural life and being the first one to graduate in the household. I believe Esme would've attained more language proficiencies if she had tutors who helped her with her honor classes and reading in general. This directly relates to Meier's article about the influence of storybook reading at a higher level. Esme would have maybe in turn found another avenue of learning how to speak and write better. The importance of reading is important in all ages and develops ways of thinking and helps with all areas and subjects. Especially with bilingual students who are struggling with English as a second language. It makes them more confident in speaking to the rest of the class and to each other in group activities. We all know practice makes perfect and with this Esme would've benefited from this. I also noticed it related to Rodriguez's article "Hunger for Memory." Esme found herself at a crossroads between two different worlds, Spanish and English. She found herself the odd girl out at first by living her Spanish heritage at home and then trying to establish herself in the dominant "white cultures" of school. Which is what Allan Johnson explains in Privilege, Power and Difference. She found herself trying to conform to a new way and the most accepted way of thinking and acting. She had to seek out how she was going to fit in while having English as a second language. By the length of her hair, dress, friends and home life.
Some questions and comments that I wanted to bring up were did she have individuality? Did she have to conform in ways that weren't accepted at home or in school? Did she have to give up her culture at any point or vice versa? Did the school do everything possible to help her achieve ultimate success? Or did they do what they had to do to try to get her by? What she did was conform to the ways of the majority sometimes at the expense of her family or dominant culture. Bilingual education.
Connections: Meier, Rodriguez, Johnson, Kozol.
I enjoyed reading this article about studying Esmes life from middle school to high school. These three women studied the construct of artifacts, they detail Esme's school history and the resources she used to respond and reposition herself. After reading the first five pages I immediately thought of Institution vs. Individual. I saw the school placing Esme into a remedial class because at first she was considered as needing a large amount of help since English is her second language. She definitely needed this instruction throughout middle and early high school. We then found out that she was doing quite well and that she came along way due to her remedial instruction. The teacher was then going to take her out of the class but Esme said since it was the second semester she just continued with the class. I feel and believe that the teacher and school didn't push Esme enough and guide her to tutoring for her honors classes. She could have taken that remedial class time and used it for her honors classes rather than dropping her courses. Maybe with more guidance, awareness and instruction, Esme maybe would have focused more on her studies so she could of passed the TAKS. I believe the school didn't take an active role in Esme's education but rather placed her somewhere because of her ethnicity and language barrier. Esme's reaction to this was very passive and like "well okay, whatever." Well hello this isn't okay and the teacher wasn't aware of how damaging that attitude was? How detrimental that would be to just kind of give up and take easy classes. Esme wanted to take easy classes because the hard ones were hard because she had no guidance or direction to show her how to make better grades. Like the author's had stated Esme positioned herself by removing herself of difficult times and settling into rather easy ones. Her attitude on graduation was to take easy classes, go to class early and do your homework. Students shouldn't need to conform to easy work, they need to be pushed and challenged to further grow intellectually and socially. This would have made her vocabulary progress significantly and made her a better student. But what Esme did was shape what she thought was successful in her own mind due to the constraints of her home and social life. I believe the school could have done alot more in taking an active part on students like Esme but I soon realized that highly unlikely due to the test scores and graduation rates across the board. Where graduation for these students are based solely on taking easy classes, managing a multicultural life and being the first one to graduate in the household. I believe Esme would've attained more language proficiencies if she had tutors who helped her with her honor classes and reading in general. This directly relates to Meier's article about the influence of storybook reading at a higher level. Esme would have maybe in turn found another avenue of learning how to speak and write better. The importance of reading is important in all ages and develops ways of thinking and helps with all areas and subjects. Especially with bilingual students who are struggling with English as a second language. It makes them more confident in speaking to the rest of the class and to each other in group activities. We all know practice makes perfect and with this Esme would've benefited from this. I also noticed it related to Rodriguez's article "Hunger for Memory." Esme found herself at a crossroads between two different worlds, Spanish and English. She found herself the odd girl out at first by living her Spanish heritage at home and then trying to establish herself in the dominant "white cultures" of school. Which is what Allan Johnson explains in Privilege, Power and Difference. She found herself trying to conform to a new way and the most accepted way of thinking and acting. She had to seek out how she was going to fit in while having English as a second language. By the length of her hair, dress, friends and home life.
Some questions and comments that I wanted to bring up were did she have individuality? Did she have to conform in ways that weren't accepted at home or in school? Did she have to give up her culture at any point or vice versa? Did the school do everything possible to help her achieve ultimate success? Or did they do what they had to do to try to get her by? What she did was conform to the ways of the majority sometimes at the expense of her family or dominant culture. Bilingual education.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Wise, Extended Quotes
Ted Wise, "Between Barack and a Hard Place"
Extended Comments/ Janelle Marie
I will be using Janelle’s Quotes blog as my “Extended Comments.” Tim Wise ia an American anti-racist activist and writer. He is known for his participation in anti-apartheid movement on the campus of Tulane. He also was known for campaigning against David Duke, on issues of Racism and Nazism. He worked for a number of community groups consisting of Louisiana Coalition for Tax Justice, the Louisiana Injured Worker's Union and Agenda for Children, where he worked as a policy analyst and community organizer in New Orleans public housing.
With Janelle’s first quote, I wanted to agree with her on the fact that whites do get the majority of scholarships and they SEEM to complain when they don’t receive a scholarship at all. Some are quick to blame the minority race and sometimes hatred or blasphemy may be the result of it, leading to more racism and oppression. It’s like taking three steps forward and two steps back. One little action can cause several generations of work and rehab to turn into dust. Racism will always be around but reverting back to it is where the problem lies. Just because you don’t get your way doesn’t mean you need to take it out on a minority. I’ve witnessed Caucasians get mad because they didn’t receive a certain scholarship and then when they find out that a minority had won it they get furious. Saying impolite things and thinking rude thoughts. Society shouldn’t be like that but it’s up to us to make a change, even though we didn’t cause it. Like Wise had stated we can do something about it. We definitely shouldn’t let it continue and destruct our society.
In the second quote, they state minorities only get a fraction of financial aid money for college. Regardless of the financial aid, we should all be accepted into college due to transcripts, test scores, extracurricular activities. It shouldn’t matter on race or socio-economic class. It also shouldn’t matter who your parents are and where you were born, we are all equal and human beings.
I’m speaking on behalf of a minority, I disagree with affirmative action because it has flaws. For example, you can have ten people in a room where nine of them have the brilliance of Steve Jobs and the one minority with an IQ of Forrest Gump. And due to affirmative action the lone minority will get accepted. Does anybody else see a problem with this? When you start accepting individuals based on skin color you promote inequality. Everyone should be judged on the same criteria, not where they came from or who their parents are.
I would like to know what other people think of Affirmative Action. I know it is a sensitive subject but it’s also something we face every single day in related topics in class. Also all of my comments on the quotes are what I’ve witnessed and not assumed. I’ve heard people say these things and it does hurt but the best feeling is when I confront the negative perceptions with factual information. I know racism and oppression can’t be changed overnight but we can start one person at a time.
Gender and Education
Gender and Education in 2012
What is Title IX? I didn't know what Title IX was until I came across several education websites and noticed it on the bottom right of every page. So after seeing it a couple of times I decided to click on it and see what it was about. And I feel I had come across something very valuable and precious to me. Why did it take so long for this Title to be passed and why are thousands of schools noncompliant? This is so beneficial to our children and just think THOUSANDS of schools are abusing Title IX by not using it.
Title IX is a law passed in 1972 that requires gender equity for boys and girls in every educational program that receives federal funding.
10 Key Areas are:
Things to remember in Gender Equity Schools.
"Short-changed" girls.
How many of you knew about this law? What do you think about these revelations and about the schools who don't follow this law? I truly believe every school should enact this law to the fullest potential. That every child should attain the most educational opportunities and possibilities that a school can offer. Nobody should be ruled out due to gender.
What is Title IX? I didn't know what Title IX was until I came across several education websites and noticed it on the bottom right of every page. So after seeing it a couple of times I decided to click on it and see what it was about. And I feel I had come across something very valuable and precious to me. Why did it take so long for this Title to be passed and why are thousands of schools noncompliant? This is so beneficial to our children and just think THOUSANDS of schools are abusing Title IX by not using it.
Title IX is a law passed in 1972 that requires gender equity for boys and girls in every educational program that receives federal funding.
10 Key Areas are:
- Access to Higher Education
- Athletics
- Career Education
- Education for Pregnant and Parenting Students
- Employment
- Learning Environment
- Math and Science
- Sexual Harassment
- Standardized Testing
- Technology
Things to remember in Gender Equity Schools.
"Short-changed" girls.
How many of you knew about this law? What do you think about these revelations and about the schools who don't follow this law? I truly believe every school should enact this law to the fullest potential. That every child should attain the most educational opportunities and possibilities that a school can offer. Nobody should be ruled out due to gender.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Some issues that have ocurred in the past two weeks.
Current Events
This article deals with out of control parents at youth sports. I thought biting the ear off of someone was in the past. Hmmmmm. Is there a Mike Tyson sighting? I mean who has the nerve to embarass friends and family by attacking the opposing teams head coach. That takes some guts and ignorance. There is obviously something mentally wrong with this guy. What happened to just going to your son or daughters sporting event and enjoying the game. Just imagine what the child is feeling and going through. He or she is going to be the one known as having the "crazy" dad. Wow!
This next article deals with a woman who suffocated her two sons, 18 months and 2 years old, before driving her car in a lake in 2010, all because of her mom raising the children differently. Who are you to take two innocent lives away? She has got some serious mental issues that should of been addressed earlier. I mean look at these two different parents, no wonder children are facing negative human development, emotionally and physically. The parents are more like burdens to their children than vice versa. And the thing is, this is only the tip of the iceberg. We hear far more serious and deadly accusations from these mentally unstable parents.
This next article deals with a white community watch volunteer killed an innocent, black 17 year old. As the volunteer was chasing Trayvon through the neighborhood while on the phone with the dispatcher, he was told to not chase him and wait for authorities. But yet he didn't listen and ended up killing the child because of racial profiling. When in the end the child was running because he was scared that somebody was chasing him. What really made an impression for me was James Martins blog post near the bottom when he states "but I really think the problem here is that those of us living in mixed-culture neighborhoods fail to get to know our neighbors, and unnecessary fear follows. Chances are this wouldn't of lead to death had he known who Trayvon was. It would of maybe lead to questioning Trayvon as to what he was doing rather than killing him in "self-defense."
This article deals with students performance and linking it with teachers pay. The overall survey shows that less and less teachers are accepting the fact that students test scores are a reflection of their worth. I believe tests show one side of a student's ability and it doesn't allow for creativity while the tests prove what you "need" to know for the test. What do you think about this?
Is this really what we're feeding children in school? Pink Slime=Mystery Meat. This article states that many parents and programs are outraged by this "byproduct" because of the lack of knowledge of what's in the beef and is it harmful. The National Lunch Program states is cheap and they have been using it for a number of years without any known instances. Even though it's cheap, shouldn't our children deserve better food but I do understand that it is probably better than some of the food that is served at home.
This article really stood out to me because while talking about the GLBT community, we as a class collectively agreed that there need to be more services in school to help children with situations like this one and GLBT, and bullying. This woman did receive some type of support but it was a little too late. She is only a fraction of the children who go through this. Alot of children do not reach out to others or have a hard time finding someone and this often leads to tumultuous times. I also agree that teachers not only are suppossed to teach academics but life lessons as well. We as teachers also need to be able to spot any hint of emotional distress from our students and be aware of what's going on too.
SEO Scholars education program. This was by far my favorite article showing how different programs are taking the initiative and actually are making a difference while showing improving results. I never heard about this where they take highschool low-income, minority students and place them in a college setting where the basics of academics are revisited with a more one on one interaction. They spend time on fundamental areas where in highschool they don't have time to. This program is free to the students but is very expensive costing $5000 per student. This gives the children a chance to make the best out of the situation and create their own destiny. I know there are people asking but what about low-income white students? Where are there opportunities and programs? What do you think?
Homeless Hotspots. This article was interesting and so were the blogs that followed it. Especially from the ignorant John Black. He states that the homeless people he refers to are drunks and crackheads. Then Michael Abbott calls him out and tells him not all homeless people are drunks and crackheads and there are some indeed who have lost there job due to the economy. Just another person profiling and not thinking with his head.
Just some crazy issues and crazy and ignorant people. What do you think about this and where do you stand? Is it just me or are there some sick and twisted people out there?
This article deals with out of control parents at youth sports. I thought biting the ear off of someone was in the past. Hmmmmm. Is there a Mike Tyson sighting? I mean who has the nerve to embarass friends and family by attacking the opposing teams head coach. That takes some guts and ignorance. There is obviously something mentally wrong with this guy. What happened to just going to your son or daughters sporting event and enjoying the game. Just imagine what the child is feeling and going through. He or she is going to be the one known as having the "crazy" dad. Wow!
This next article deals with a woman who suffocated her two sons, 18 months and 2 years old, before driving her car in a lake in 2010, all because of her mom raising the children differently. Who are you to take two innocent lives away? She has got some serious mental issues that should of been addressed earlier. I mean look at these two different parents, no wonder children are facing negative human development, emotionally and physically. The parents are more like burdens to their children than vice versa. And the thing is, this is only the tip of the iceberg. We hear far more serious and deadly accusations from these mentally unstable parents.
This next article deals with a white community watch volunteer killed an innocent, black 17 year old. As the volunteer was chasing Trayvon through the neighborhood while on the phone with the dispatcher, he was told to not chase him and wait for authorities. But yet he didn't listen and ended up killing the child because of racial profiling. When in the end the child was running because he was scared that somebody was chasing him. What really made an impression for me was James Martins blog post near the bottom when he states "but I really think the problem here is that those of us living in mixed-culture neighborhoods fail to get to know our neighbors, and unnecessary fear follows. Chances are this wouldn't of lead to death had he known who Trayvon was. It would of maybe lead to questioning Trayvon as to what he was doing rather than killing him in "self-defense."
This article deals with students performance and linking it with teachers pay. The overall survey shows that less and less teachers are accepting the fact that students test scores are a reflection of their worth. I believe tests show one side of a student's ability and it doesn't allow for creativity while the tests prove what you "need" to know for the test. What do you think about this?
Is this really what we're feeding children in school? Pink Slime=Mystery Meat. This article states that many parents and programs are outraged by this "byproduct" because of the lack of knowledge of what's in the beef and is it harmful. The National Lunch Program states is cheap and they have been using it for a number of years without any known instances. Even though it's cheap, shouldn't our children deserve better food but I do understand that it is probably better than some of the food that is served at home.
This article really stood out to me because while talking about the GLBT community, we as a class collectively agreed that there need to be more services in school to help children with situations like this one and GLBT, and bullying. This woman did receive some type of support but it was a little too late. She is only a fraction of the children who go through this. Alot of children do not reach out to others or have a hard time finding someone and this often leads to tumultuous times. I also agree that teachers not only are suppossed to teach academics but life lessons as well. We as teachers also need to be able to spot any hint of emotional distress from our students and be aware of what's going on too.
SEO Scholars education program. This was by far my favorite article showing how different programs are taking the initiative and actually are making a difference while showing improving results. I never heard about this where they take highschool low-income, minority students and place them in a college setting where the basics of academics are revisited with a more one on one interaction. They spend time on fundamental areas where in highschool they don't have time to. This program is free to the students but is very expensive costing $5000 per student. This gives the children a chance to make the best out of the situation and create their own destiny. I know there are people asking but what about low-income white students? Where are there opportunities and programs? What do you think?
Homeless Hotspots. This article was interesting and so were the blogs that followed it. Especially from the ignorant John Black. He states that the homeless people he refers to are drunks and crackheads. Then Michael Abbott calls him out and tells him not all homeless people are drunks and crackheads and there are some indeed who have lost there job due to the economy. Just another person profiling and not thinking with his head.
Just some crazy issues and crazy and ignorant people. What do you think about this and where do you stand? Is it just me or are there some sick and twisted people out there?
Saturday, March 10, 2012
In the Service of What?
In the Service of What? The Politics of Service Learning. By Joseph Kahne and Joel Westheimer
Extended Quotes
In my blog I will be focusing on extended quotes because there's a lot to say on this important topic. I enjoyed this reading and found many flaws in which "community service" is perceived, which I do agree that there's a difference between just showing up and going through the motions compared to being emotionally and physically involved. As well as being analytical and critical before, during AND after your experience.
As Kahne and Westheimer state "A transformative educational experience requires that students engage in critical thinking in the "strong," not the "weak" sense." This quote stood out to me was the fact that students in order to gain the full experience of a service project, they must be always thinking critically and analytical on every aspect. For example, before you go to your service project, think of some reasons as to why the students are not achieving academically in school, or why is there such an influx of homeless people, or why is deforestation on the rise in your community? In other words form a "hypothesis" before you engage in your project. Try developing a course of action that you are going to take and do some research before you go. This is definitely the opposite as to just going because your teacher tells you, you must perform such and such hours to graduate. By being fully engaged emotionally and socially is different from just going through the motions. While you are helping, get to know whoever it is you are helping and what's working and not working. You should be asking questions and being very perceptive as to why these certain people are here and how they got here. You have to be totally into what you're doing and reflect afterwards. By being reflective you look back on your "hypothesis", how did it feel, what info did you gather and what can you do in the long run for this cause? You should be proactive not just happy that you completed your 75 hours for graduation!
The next quote I wanted to state was the one about Mr. Johnson's class basically going through the motions of volunteering for charity and nothing else. Kahne and Westheimer state, 'Mr. Johnson's curriculum included only minimal attention to any systematic analysis of the ills his students were helping to alleviate. His high school seniors were not asked to articulate an understanding of the conditions and contexts that might have contributed to the loss of a family's home or to a pregnant mother's decision to turn to crack cocaine." HELLO! Where is the need to want to help down the road. What strategies or methods did the class take or mention about helping after they did their charity work. This is a perfect example of "going through the motions". There's no initiative taken about what steps to take to help them in the long run. Where is the critical and analytical reflection afterwards? Are the students really understanding what problems led to these situations or how they could help? I'm sorry but by definition, this isn't an example of a transformative educational experience. Like Kahne and Westheimer will state later in the article, this case mirrors large-scale initiatives to promote community service around the country.
Transformative educational experiences were clear in Ms. Adams seventh grade class on homeless-ness except the hands on experience when Kahne and Westenheimer stated "provides authentic learning experiences, reflection on matters of social concern, and opportunities for interdisciplinary study linked to curricular goals. The goal of the project had broad base appeal. It stressed the importance of compassion for those in need, and it encouraged children and young adults to find ways to help. Every action led to a reaction and this is what leads to making an impact not only physically but socially and emotionally. Interaction is key when helping and assisting in community projects and causes. But what was missing was the hands on experience that Mr. Johnson's class had participated in. Hands on experience has more of an impact than just reading about it. Ms. Adams way of teaching and shedding light on the problem lacked the basis for learning, hands on experience.
Questions and Comments
Although I enjoyed this article, it shed light on the fact that service programs need to emphasize more on reflective and critical thinking. Trying to get to the root of the problem rather than volunteering because you have to. Having the will power to want to make a change and setting goals are prevalent in making a change for the people in need. What do you think about the different views on service based learning? Do you agree there's needs to be more of an emphasis on actually working for a change and not going through the emotions? I believe and hope everyone who is enrolled in a FNED course is connected to the cause we are participating in. I know along with my fellow classmates and Prof. Stevos that there is a sense of urgency, care and compassion in us and it reflects in and outside of the classroom.
Extended Quotes
In my blog I will be focusing on extended quotes because there's a lot to say on this important topic. I enjoyed this reading and found many flaws in which "community service" is perceived, which I do agree that there's a difference between just showing up and going through the motions compared to being emotionally and physically involved. As well as being analytical and critical before, during AND after your experience.
As Kahne and Westheimer state "A transformative educational experience requires that students engage in critical thinking in the "strong," not the "weak" sense." This quote stood out to me was the fact that students in order to gain the full experience of a service project, they must be always thinking critically and analytical on every aspect. For example, before you go to your service project, think of some reasons as to why the students are not achieving academically in school, or why is there such an influx of homeless people, or why is deforestation on the rise in your community? In other words form a "hypothesis" before you engage in your project. Try developing a course of action that you are going to take and do some research before you go. This is definitely the opposite as to just going because your teacher tells you, you must perform such and such hours to graduate. By being fully engaged emotionally and socially is different from just going through the motions. While you are helping, get to know whoever it is you are helping and what's working and not working. You should be asking questions and being very perceptive as to why these certain people are here and how they got here. You have to be totally into what you're doing and reflect afterwards. By being reflective you look back on your "hypothesis", how did it feel, what info did you gather and what can you do in the long run for this cause? You should be proactive not just happy that you completed your 75 hours for graduation!
The next quote I wanted to state was the one about Mr. Johnson's class basically going through the motions of volunteering for charity and nothing else. Kahne and Westheimer state, 'Mr. Johnson's curriculum included only minimal attention to any systematic analysis of the ills his students were helping to alleviate. His high school seniors were not asked to articulate an understanding of the conditions and contexts that might have contributed to the loss of a family's home or to a pregnant mother's decision to turn to crack cocaine." HELLO! Where is the need to want to help down the road. What strategies or methods did the class take or mention about helping after they did their charity work. This is a perfect example of "going through the motions". There's no initiative taken about what steps to take to help them in the long run. Where is the critical and analytical reflection afterwards? Are the students really understanding what problems led to these situations or how they could help? I'm sorry but by definition, this isn't an example of a transformative educational experience. Like Kahne and Westheimer will state later in the article, this case mirrors large-scale initiatives to promote community service around the country.
Transformative educational experiences were clear in Ms. Adams seventh grade class on homeless-ness except the hands on experience when Kahne and Westenheimer stated "provides authentic learning experiences, reflection on matters of social concern, and opportunities for interdisciplinary study linked to curricular goals. The goal of the project had broad base appeal. It stressed the importance of compassion for those in need, and it encouraged children and young adults to find ways to help. Every action led to a reaction and this is what leads to making an impact not only physically but socially and emotionally. Interaction is key when helping and assisting in community projects and causes. But what was missing was the hands on experience that Mr. Johnson's class had participated in. Hands on experience has more of an impact than just reading about it. Ms. Adams way of teaching and shedding light on the problem lacked the basis for learning, hands on experience.
Questions and Comments
Although I enjoyed this article, it shed light on the fact that service programs need to emphasize more on reflective and critical thinking. Trying to get to the root of the problem rather than volunteering because you have to. Having the will power to want to make a change and setting goals are prevalent in making a change for the people in need. What do you think about the different views on service based learning? Do you agree there's needs to be more of an emphasis on actually working for a change and not going through the emotions? I believe and hope everyone who is enrolled in a FNED course is connected to the cause we are participating in. I know along with my fellow classmates and Prof. Stevos that there is a sense of urgency, care and compassion in us and it reflects in and outside of the classroom.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Inclusion and Social Justice for GLBT Members of the Learning Community in Queensland State Schools
Michaelson, "Inclusion and Social Justice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Members of the Learning Community in Queensland State Schools."
Extended Comments
I really liked how Michaelson starts off with how schools are supposed to be this safe and secure learning environment where teachers are supposed to implement inclusive practices and social children for GLBT. I also enjoyed how he defined homophobia and what it leads to and creates. He also lists the keywords which are related to homophobia. After reading this article I never realized how many teachers don't confront the problem when a problem arises. It didn't shock me by how often children use slander in reference to something being weird, not actually gay. Like I said in class, children don't know the meaning of "gay" they learned the saying from immature, older kids, and media. They are saying it with empty meaning. It makes me sad and angry that these children have grown accustomed to using this word when something is off, weird, or not normal.
I'm going to be using my blog as extended comments to Nate's blog. Nate provides great examples of children using their words to mean harm on GLBT children. Nate said it best when he stated, "If they use the word “gay” is used synonymously with “bad” as in “that is gay” meaning “that is bad” then it automatically makes a derogatory statement on someone’s sexual preference. The children don't know the actual meaning but they have learned that it's the new word to use meaning as weird. I agree when Nate states, "Homosexuals should have every right that heterosexuals do. A person should be judged on the content of their character and not on their sexual preferences." GLBT's are just as much human as heterosexuals. Everybody should be experiencing equality in today's society. It makes me sick that this "homophobia" has created even more bullying and violence. Nate had a great statement when he said, "Kids will be kids, and it seems that what people fear the most are what they do not understand. We need to educate the teenagers and let them understand that you can be homosexual and be a great person to, you don’t need to be afraid or lash out against them." It only takes one kid to act out ignorant towards GLBT and eventually he or she have twenty or so followers. This hatred gets spread so easily and quickly, we need to start educating not only the children, but who they are imitating, the teenagers.
We need to put an end to this "homophobia" and start educating as soon as possible. Education is the key to rid of this evil. I hate to see all of this hatred happening where our future educators are learning in an uneasy, violent environment.
Some questions and comments I would like to bring up are what is your stand on this issue? What preparations and suggestions would you give yourself, peers, and/or a first year teacher? I never realized how some mathematical questions assumed heterosexuality relationships. I never realized that we as educators need to make questions into neutral-gender names. How do we teach GLBT?
Homophobia in U.K.
Extended Comments
I really liked how Michaelson starts off with how schools are supposed to be this safe and secure learning environment where teachers are supposed to implement inclusive practices and social children for GLBT. I also enjoyed how he defined homophobia and what it leads to and creates. He also lists the keywords which are related to homophobia. After reading this article I never realized how many teachers don't confront the problem when a problem arises. It didn't shock me by how often children use slander in reference to something being weird, not actually gay. Like I said in class, children don't know the meaning of "gay" they learned the saying from immature, older kids, and media. They are saying it with empty meaning. It makes me sad and angry that these children have grown accustomed to using this word when something is off, weird, or not normal.
I'm going to be using my blog as extended comments to Nate's blog. Nate provides great examples of children using their words to mean harm on GLBT children. Nate said it best when he stated, "If they use the word “gay” is used synonymously with “bad” as in “that is gay” meaning “that is bad” then it automatically makes a derogatory statement on someone’s sexual preference. The children don't know the actual meaning but they have learned that it's the new word to use meaning as weird. I agree when Nate states, "Homosexuals should have every right that heterosexuals do. A person should be judged on the content of their character and not on their sexual preferences." GLBT's are just as much human as heterosexuals. Everybody should be experiencing equality in today's society. It makes me sick that this "homophobia" has created even more bullying and violence. Nate had a great statement when he said, "Kids will be kids, and it seems that what people fear the most are what they do not understand. We need to educate the teenagers and let them understand that you can be homosexual and be a great person to, you don’t need to be afraid or lash out against them." It only takes one kid to act out ignorant towards GLBT and eventually he or she have twenty or so followers. This hatred gets spread so easily and quickly, we need to start educating not only the children, but who they are imitating, the teenagers.
We need to put an end to this "homophobia" and start educating as soon as possible. Education is the key to rid of this evil. I hate to see all of this hatred happening where our future educators are learning in an uneasy, violent environment.
Some questions and comments I would like to bring up are what is your stand on this issue? What preparations and suggestions would you give yourself, peers, and/or a first year teacher? I never realized how some mathematical questions assumed heterosexuality relationships. I never realized that we as educators need to make questions into neutral-gender names. How do we teach GLBT?
Homophobia in U.K.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Alarming News!
News relating to Scooling in a Democratic Society.
Over the past week I have noticed several articles about children and teachers. Some of these teachers are held responsible for teaching and engaging students to their full potential. In one of these articles the mom is arrested for injecting her teenagers with heroin before school. Are you serious? And this is a prime example of why it's hard to engage students in school when their parental influence is the defeating team. They are the ones who are supposed to be supporting the children in the best way possible, not by injecting and condoning drug use. But what happens when students accuse their teacher of doing something wrong for example, sexual harassment to drug abuse? I did not know this but they are sent to a "rubber room" where they sit and collect paychecks. It's somewhere they have to go and wait until the investigation or court proceedings are over. I also wanted to comment about the school shooting of a student directed at their classmate. What parents have a gun just laying around for their child to pick up and bring to school? I mean come on now! Just some news I thought was interesting and that I thought related to our topics and lectures covered in class. Also in the news was a teacher who was accused of sleeping with fellow students of hers. Quite interesting this is coming after a year of silence. But still it's an important issue.
Over the past week I have noticed several articles about children and teachers. Some of these teachers are held responsible for teaching and engaging students to their full potential. In one of these articles the mom is arrested for injecting her teenagers with heroin before school. Are you serious? And this is a prime example of why it's hard to engage students in school when their parental influence is the defeating team. They are the ones who are supposed to be supporting the children in the best way possible, not by injecting and condoning drug use. But what happens when students accuse their teacher of doing something wrong for example, sexual harassment to drug abuse? I did not know this but they are sent to a "rubber room" where they sit and collect paychecks. It's somewhere they have to go and wait until the investigation or court proceedings are over. I also wanted to comment about the school shooting of a student directed at their classmate. What parents have a gun just laying around for their child to pick up and bring to school? I mean come on now! Just some news I thought was interesting and that I thought related to our topics and lectures covered in class. Also in the news was a teacher who was accused of sleeping with fellow students of hers. Quite interesting this is coming after a year of silence. But still it's an important issue.
Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us
1) Linda Christenson, "Unlearning the Myths That Bind Us"
Extended Comments
I will be using Tess' blog to center my own on the cartoon and Disney movie depictions. I also had taken a Women's studies course last semester where we looked at the images and their underlying meanings. I grew up watching Disney movies with my brother and sisters and watched them with an innocent and clear lens. You can say what I was watching did shape some or all of my thoughts and behaviors. It was basically cartoon reality to me at this age. As Tess had stated the women are always the "damsel in distress." There is always some poor living condition and/or poor catastrophe. She always seems to find help in some shape or form of a spirit, godmother or animal to help her. Where soon after some party, gala or ball she is swept up by some magnificent prince and lives happily after. This portrayal is far from the truth and shows children that everything ends in a happy ending. Well I hate to burst your bubble, but there is so much sexism, racism, etc.. that it affects society more negatively than positive. I think Tess made a great reference to Christenson's statement about how minorities are always classified as lower class in not only cartoons, and Disney movies but also T.V in general. They are always shown as servants or idiots. They never seem to have roles where like Cinderella, they become an overnight success. They are usually catering to the pompous characters, always the males who are always big and have some egotistical problem. They tend to denature the poor and feel no pity for the less fortunate. These minorities do cater to the princes of the kingdoms and don't have any real substance in roles in these parts either. All in all they are viewed as lower class with no "privileges" as the whites. Except for movies like Mulan, Aladdin and Pocahontas were the only movies where the main character consisted of a minority. Tess also brings up the reference to when Popeye places a dog collar on Olive Oil and drags her back home. That was absolutely ridiculous to hear because I liked Popeye and it upsets me also, why would the producers show a scene like that. It is sending the wrong message to the entire audience of vulnerable children. Like I have said before and I bet Tess would agree, that children's minds are like sponges and when they see this they think this is alright. Then that leads to behavior, not only this but other sorts of behaviors degrading the female. Cartoons and Disney movies are very relatable but yet dangerous to children, yet we as adults know right from wrong. It's like these shows and movies are a template for these children to perceive how the world actually works. You degrade women and you put down minorities. The place values on whites are significantly different from those of minorities. I know a lot of people use Disney movies as a "babysitter". Is this right no for the reason which Disney and cartoons relay the wrong message to these children who spend COUNTLESS hours in front of the TV. Use some of the hours for educational times with your children. Disney movies allows for creativity and imagination but too much of it can be very detrimental to your child's well-being. Gender and Disney.. Advice from a Princess. Barbie.
Questions/Comments/Points To Share:
I would like to know where everybody stands on Disney movies? Do you believe too much of a good thing is bad? I bet alot of us will look at Disney differently because of the messages they show. But you have to give credit to Disney because mass media is the best outlet to portray subliminal and hidden messages. I believe they are doing more harm than good. Also if you have time, there is some really good stuff on the Dark Disney. How much Disney did you watch when you were younger? What do you make of Disney and will you show it to your kids as much as your parents showed it to you?
Extended Comments
I will be using Tess' blog to center my own on the cartoon and Disney movie depictions. I also had taken a Women's studies course last semester where we looked at the images and their underlying meanings. I grew up watching Disney movies with my brother and sisters and watched them with an innocent and clear lens. You can say what I was watching did shape some or all of my thoughts and behaviors. It was basically cartoon reality to me at this age. As Tess had stated the women are always the "damsel in distress." There is always some poor living condition and/or poor catastrophe. She always seems to find help in some shape or form of a spirit, godmother or animal to help her. Where soon after some party, gala or ball she is swept up by some magnificent prince and lives happily after. This portrayal is far from the truth and shows children that everything ends in a happy ending. Well I hate to burst your bubble, but there is so much sexism, racism, etc.. that it affects society more negatively than positive. I think Tess made a great reference to Christenson's statement about how minorities are always classified as lower class in not only cartoons, and Disney movies but also T.V in general. They are always shown as servants or idiots. They never seem to have roles where like Cinderella, they become an overnight success. They are usually catering to the pompous characters, always the males who are always big and have some egotistical problem. They tend to denature the poor and feel no pity for the less fortunate. These minorities do cater to the princes of the kingdoms and don't have any real substance in roles in these parts either. All in all they are viewed as lower class with no "privileges" as the whites. Except for movies like Mulan, Aladdin and Pocahontas were the only movies where the main character consisted of a minority. Tess also brings up the reference to when Popeye places a dog collar on Olive Oil and drags her back home. That was absolutely ridiculous to hear because I liked Popeye and it upsets me also, why would the producers show a scene like that. It is sending the wrong message to the entire audience of vulnerable children. Like I have said before and I bet Tess would agree, that children's minds are like sponges and when they see this they think this is alright. Then that leads to behavior, not only this but other sorts of behaviors degrading the female. Cartoons and Disney movies are very relatable but yet dangerous to children, yet we as adults know right from wrong. It's like these shows and movies are a template for these children to perceive how the world actually works. You degrade women and you put down minorities. The place values on whites are significantly different from those of minorities. I know a lot of people use Disney movies as a "babysitter". Is this right no for the reason which Disney and cartoons relay the wrong message to these children who spend COUNTLESS hours in front of the TV. Use some of the hours for educational times with your children. Disney movies allows for creativity and imagination but too much of it can be very detrimental to your child's well-being. Gender and Disney.. Advice from a Princess. Barbie.
Questions/Comments/Points To Share:
I would like to know where everybody stands on Disney movies? Do you believe too much of a good thing is bad? I bet alot of us will look at Disney differently because of the messages they show. But you have to give credit to Disney because mass media is the best outlet to portray subliminal and hidden messages. I believe they are doing more harm than good. Also if you have time, there is some really good stuff on the Dark Disney. How much Disney did you watch when you were younger? What do you make of Disney and will you show it to your kids as much as your parents showed it to you?
Friday, February 17, 2012
Terry Meier, "Why can't she remember that?"
Quotes
While reading Meier's ideas for engaging children in storybook reading I took into account my days as an elementary student. Story time was one of my favorite and now looking back most meaningful times at school at this age. That along with engaging with my fellow classmates. Several quotes stuck out to me during this reading and really decipher as to how children understand and see things from a student's perspective. Meier suggests that children learn to use language in culturally specific ways. She presents three ways in which to connect children to books: she chooses books that relate to children's lives; teaching book reading behaviors explicitly; and making books come alive.
As Meier states in Choosing books that relate to children's lives, "Books are not meaningful to children who do not see themselves represented in them." Especially for very young children, learning occurs most productively and profoundly in a context of familiarity." This a very true and powerful quote because we can all remember our favorite books and I bet in some way, shape or form we have pictured ourselves being in that situation or character. It's based on the diversity of the characters in the book that help children want to know more. This helps children want to focus and wonder what happens next. It engages children to communicate, pay attention to specific details and read more. This in turn also helps those who do relate to these characters to repeat certain phrases and words and eventually learn the true meaning behind these words. It builds vocabulary and communication where certain nouns and verbs weren't present. This method is very meaningful and productive. In response to Meier's "question game" being silly, she states "this is critical because it is especially important in multilingual, multicultural classrooms for children to feel (a) that their teacher's comments and responses "make sense" and (b) that these either fit with, or differ from in understandable ways, the assumptions about language that they bring home." Children learn different values at home than that of school, so teachers laying a foundation of the types of questions she's going to ask alleviates pressures for students who might think otherwise. When teachers notify students of what types of answers she's looking for she rids out a lot of fear and sets an even playing field for everybody. This allows children to participate more without creating a sense of awkwardness and silence. Students tend to engage more when they know what types of answers or questions the teacher is asking for. This tends to create a more social and engaging environment. In Meier's "Make books come alive" section, she states, "These storybook characters can also be used in more structured ways to help children develop deeper understandings of story elements like character and plot." I know from personal experience this definitely engages the students by them creating and becoming more imaginative with the text. When you use props or voice changes, students tend to be fully committed to paying attention. We all know student's attention span is far less than ours so any little extra goes a long way. When I'm reading I tend to do the appropriate voice change when there is a character change. You shouldn't read the text as is, you should add excitement by raising your voice or when there's a time of sadness being voiced, act the part. This goes a long way because not only are the children enjoying it but you have their full attention. While you're doing this you stop and ask questions to the students as to why is Pete sad. If you're a good storybook reader, the student's aren't going to be asking why are you talking like that Mr. S? Story time is one of the best and most meaningful times in a child's life.
Questions/Comments/Points to Share:
I believe effective teachers use all three of these methods Meier uses. In order to reach all of your students especially in today's society where different races and ethnicity's are more present, one needs to be very creative and limitless in resources in order for his/her students to attain deep and meaningful connections.I would like to ask how did your teachers create your story time? What ideas did your teachers use looking back when you were elementary students? Do you see any similarities in Meier's ideas to your past teachers? What were your favorite books or texts growing up?
Friday, February 10, 2012
Amazing Grace
Jonathan Kozol, Amazing Grace
Reflection
While reading this piece by Kozol I couldn't help but get emotional because I was a child who was born in the Bronx who saw some of these sad and depressing scenes. I will touch up on my life history briefly but if you have any questions or comments please feel free to ask or comment on my post. My sister and I were born Puerto Rican parents who we were only with us for the first four years of our life. Then something amazing happened, we were adopted by loving parents who deeply cared for our well being and future. But before we got adopted I remember growing up in the crime and drug infested neighborhood similar to the one Kozol references on in his article. I remember seeing these numerous bright colored caps that Kozol saw while walking with Cliffie. I always compared them to that Dr. Mario game that consisted of all the colorful pill capsules.I remember asking my birth mother what they were and all she would say is don't ever pick them up. But yes they were everywhere.This article portrayed what I was living in when I was a child. Though I don't remember seeing as many needles Kozol saw but I may as well. Those first four years of my life had no structure and stability, at the time I didn't know any better, I just thought that's how life is. Just like Cliffie in the story, although he was older than I was and disturbed by what he sees, it was just another day in the Bronx. While reflecting back on those days, I can't imagine where I'd be if that social worker hadn't come to our apartment. While looking back on that single moment, that was the best day of our lives. As someone who has never been to the Bronx this would be a horrific and scary scene but if you've been there or actually lived there, you tend to agree and say that's the way it is. When my birth mother was home, she would take us out and I remember she would always tell me to never talk to any strangers. I can remember seeing weird looking people sleeping in the hallways or outside back then but now reflecting back, they were probably drunk or high. As a little kid you really don't give it too much thought of why they're doing what they're doing. You tend to think behaviors like that are innocent like maybe he was just tired so he decided to take a nap. Living in the Bronx was completely different from growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina. After getting adopted, we moved from Long Island, NY to Raleigh, NC. These were the best years of my life. I finally had access to an are where I was free to run and play without the worries of WHO and WHAT was around. I had loving parents who cared and treated me like family and I also had my sister.
Questions/Comments/Points to Share:
While looking back as I have said, I don't think I'd be where I am today if it weren't for the fact that I was taken away from my birth parents because they were unfit parents or for whatever reason I don't know. But I wouldn't be the man I am today if it weren't for my parents who provided me another chance on life. It's hard to become successful in school if you have to worry about when are you going to eat next or the fear of when the city is going to turn off your electricity. Not only are parents under pressure but so are the children. Walking around in a poverty stricken and drug infested environment. How are children supposed to succeed in school with so many worries and a city where crime and diseases fill the streets they walk in? Where you have incinerators next door burning amputated body parts and bloodied linens and bandages. Children have minds like sponges so they soak all of these visuals and behaviors and they just assume this is reality. This is how it's supposed to be because everybody is participating in these negative behaviors. This article meant a lot to me and I loved Kozol's quote "you hear the dealers call it out. It's like they're saying, Come on over here. I'll show you how to end your life." How would you propose to rid your neighborhood of drug dealers?
Check this out. South Bronx. Another clip
Reflection
While reading this piece by Kozol I couldn't help but get emotional because I was a child who was born in the Bronx who saw some of these sad and depressing scenes. I will touch up on my life history briefly but if you have any questions or comments please feel free to ask or comment on my post. My sister and I were born Puerto Rican parents who we were only with us for the first four years of our life. Then something amazing happened, we were adopted by loving parents who deeply cared for our well being and future. But before we got adopted I remember growing up in the crime and drug infested neighborhood similar to the one Kozol references on in his article. I remember seeing these numerous bright colored caps that Kozol saw while walking with Cliffie. I always compared them to that Dr. Mario game that consisted of all the colorful pill capsules.I remember asking my birth mother what they were and all she would say is don't ever pick them up. But yes they were everywhere.This article portrayed what I was living in when I was a child. Though I don't remember seeing as many needles Kozol saw but I may as well. Those first four years of my life had no structure and stability, at the time I didn't know any better, I just thought that's how life is. Just like Cliffie in the story, although he was older than I was and disturbed by what he sees, it was just another day in the Bronx. While reflecting back on those days, I can't imagine where I'd be if that social worker hadn't come to our apartment. While looking back on that single moment, that was the best day of our lives. As someone who has never been to the Bronx this would be a horrific and scary scene but if you've been there or actually lived there, you tend to agree and say that's the way it is. When my birth mother was home, she would take us out and I remember she would always tell me to never talk to any strangers. I can remember seeing weird looking people sleeping in the hallways or outside back then but now reflecting back, they were probably drunk or high. As a little kid you really don't give it too much thought of why they're doing what they're doing. You tend to think behaviors like that are innocent like maybe he was just tired so he decided to take a nap. Living in the Bronx was completely different from growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina. After getting adopted, we moved from Long Island, NY to Raleigh, NC. These were the best years of my life. I finally had access to an are where I was free to run and play without the worries of WHO and WHAT was around. I had loving parents who cared and treated me like family and I also had my sister.
Questions/Comments/Points to Share:
While looking back as I have said, I don't think I'd be where I am today if it weren't for the fact that I was taken away from my birth parents because they were unfit parents or for whatever reason I don't know. But I wouldn't be the man I am today if it weren't for my parents who provided me another chance on life. It's hard to become successful in school if you have to worry about when are you going to eat next or the fear of when the city is going to turn off your electricity. Not only are parents under pressure but so are the children. Walking around in a poverty stricken and drug infested environment. How are children supposed to succeed in school with so many worries and a city where crime and diseases fill the streets they walk in? Where you have incinerators next door burning amputated body parts and bloodied linens and bandages. Children have minds like sponges so they soak all of these visuals and behaviors and they just assume this is reality. This is how it's supposed to be because everybody is participating in these negative behaviors. This article meant a lot to me and I loved Kozol's quote "you hear the dealers call it out. It's like they're saying, Come on over here. I'll show you how to end your life." How would you propose to rid your neighborhood of drug dealers?
Check this out. South Bronx. Another clip
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)