Empowering Education: Critical Teaching for Social Change 

Quotes:

"A curriculum that does not challenge the standard syllabus and and conditions in society informs students that knowledge and the world are fixed and are fine they way they are, with no role for students to play in transforming them, and no need for change."

 

I agree with this quote, because if students are not challenged, or are not allowed to try new things in the classroom then they get bored. If the curriculum doesn't make students become more curious about a subject, then it is not serving its purpose. Why should kids learn if they aren't allowed to think outside the box and try anything original? I feel that in elementary school children are more eager to learn, because the idea of learning is still fresh and new, but in high school the kids dread it because it feels just like another chore they have to do. It shouldn't be this way, but that is what education has come down to. If students were able to learn about areas in which they were interested in, rather than be forced to take certain classes, they might actually want to go to school. 

"In a participatory class where authority is mutual, some of the positive affects which support student learning are cooperativeness, curiosity, humor, hope, responsibility, respect, attentiveness, openness and concern about society."

In an ideal world, every classroom would have all of these things going on, to encourage the students to learn. It is sad that most classrooms are not positive, and participatory and the students are not reaching their full potential because of this. I would hope that classrooms at least start out with these effects happening, because they could create a great learning environment. If the students are put into an environment in which they are afraid to participate, then respect, curiosity and openness can never be achieved. A participatory classroom, is one that gives the students a voice in their education, and that is something that not many classrooms allow.

"The syllabus was built upward, from student responses, instead of downward from my comments. This political change of direction in the making of the democratic curriculum is the way to authorize students as co-developers of their education. 

If the students are taking an active role in their education, then they are more likely to be interested in learning. It is important that they have a say, and the education is becoming more "democratic" in this way. That is they way that it should be, because there should be a balance between what the teacher has to say, and what the students have to say. The level of respect in this situation was great, and that allowed the curriculum to form in a more beneficial way for the students to learn more about the topic of journalism. 

Question: Why is it that all of these values; participatory, affective, problem-solving, situated, multicultural etc. are not being stressed enough as ideal models for classrooms? Is it that it takes too much time for these values to be incorporated, or is it that the education system doesn't acknowledge that these values could help students and classrooms to be active in social change?

http://www.knewton.com/flipped-classroom/

The link is about a concept called flipped classrooms, which takes technology and uses it to teach in a more effective way. It is similar to the way our class is run with the readings and videos online being discussed in class. 

From Belly Dancers to Burqas: Media Representation of Muslim Women 

I thought this discussion was very interesting, and 

Dr. Afshan Jafar did a great job speaking about how the media portrays Muslim women, without an identity and in a stereotypical way. The beginning of the talk included the audience finishing the sentence Muslim women are... The most common words were oppressed, unequal rights and covered up. I had never given much thought to how the media always represents Muslim women as being a weak and timid group, oppressed by their religion or country. This is not the case for all women, and people need to educate themselves about a religion or culture before they make assumptions. Society defines people by their race, religion, or appearance and the fact that everyone is an individual with an identity is forgotten. 

The first thing that Dr. Jafar talked about was Disney's Aladdin, and the way it stereotyped Jasmine.  The entire movie she is in a belly dancing outfit, which isn't even a dance that all Muslim women do. It  is performed throughout many cultures.  The outfits that she wore sexualized her, which associated Muslim women as being overly sexual and wearing little clothing. This reminded me of the reading "Unlearning the Myths that Bind Us" by Christiansen about gender stereotypes and societies standards about how both genders should act. The way Disney depicted this character was degrading for arabian women and their culture, where often they are more conservative in what they choose to wear. This movie instilled the idea, that women from this culture use their looks and sexuality as a means of power, and this is something that children can notice. I found a blog that talks about the different stereotypes found in the movie Aladdin, and how they can affect how a child  perceives this culture. 

http://mediatheoriesandeffects.blogspot.com/p/disney-stereotypes-arabs-in-disneys.html

Dr. Jafar also talked about a picture of a refugee girl, that was put on the cover of National Geographic. The photographer got all the fame and recognition for the picture, but the girl did not. This was because he didn't even ask her what her name was or include it in the caption. The fact that her name was not even mentioned, showed the lack of identity they gave her. The caption for this described her eyes as being haunted, but the photographer never asked her what she was feeling. He just assumed that because she was a refugee, she was afraid. She didn't have a voice in the matter, and it portrayed her as being weak. Years later, that same woman was found again, and photographed but again this time they chose the picture when she is fully covered. They couldn't even put her face, which once again didn't show her identity. This covering, only reinforced the lack of voice that this women had. I could connect this, with the "Silenced Dialogue" by Delpit that we read in class. This women was silenced and the stereotype of her religion and culture was reinforced in a negative way. I found an article about the man's interview with the woman after the second photo shoot. It was funny that in the interview, the woman stated that she was actually mad that a stranger was taking her picture. Her reaction was completely different than what the man thought, and therefore the readers of the magazine got the wrong perception. The magazine published what they believed her to be, based on her appearance and situation. 

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2002/04/afghan-girl/index-text

This cartoon, really got me thinking about the differences in beliefs between different cultures. Dr. Jafar talked about how both of these women are judging each other, and whether they actually have the choice   to wear what they want, or is society influencing their decision. She talked about how most Muslim women are not forced to wear burqas and that is is a personal choice. They may wear it for religious purposes, or to celebrate their identity or culture. Only some countries mandate that women be covered from head to toe. This stereotype that all Muslim women don't have a choice, is a present theme associated with the Islamic religion in the media. This reminded me of the "Literacy with an Attitude" by Finn, because if people don't educate themselves about other religions and cultures, then they will continue to be ignorant. Knowledge is what we need to change a situation, and this is a good example of that. What is considered visually appealing in the United States is different from other countries. We cannot assume how a person is, if we do not know them, and the same goes for people of a different religion or gender. Each women thinks in a different way, and neither is wrong in what they choose to wear. It is society that is at fault, in making them think that others are different. I found an article, about Muslim women, and their perspectives on why they choose to wear a burqa or hijab. It is a personal clothing choice for many, and wearing it is not a form of oppression, but rather a celebration of identity.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11120588/Muslim-women-reveal-why-they-wear-the-veil-burqa-school-debate.html

I really enjoyed this presentation, because it opened my eyes to learn more about Muslim women, and the islamic culture. If we do not educate ourselves, then nothing will ever change and the media will continue to dominate our ideas and our right to think for ourselves. 

"Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome"

Hyperlink:

I thought this text about children with down syndrome in schools and the struggles they face in the classroom was very interesting. I never really thought about how different the classes are in high school for kids with learning disabilities. and the fact that they don't need to be segregated at all.  I agree with the author that is is more beneficial for everyone to learn together and learn from each other. The fact that a child has a learning disability, doesn't mean they can't contribute to a classroom with students who do not.  The examples that the author gave, about children with down syndrome and their experiences was a great way to show two ends of the learning spectrum. One way was in which to segregate the children, which isolated them and didn't benefit them in any way. The other was to have them in a classroom with other children, and to develop ways of teaching in a way they can understand and relate to. 

The example of Shayne Robbin's classroom and Isaac Johnson, was a great way to show how a teacher can alter her teaching style in order to benefit everyone in the classroom. Teaching styles that get children interested and engaged are usually ones that seem unpractical or out of the curriculum. The unit her class did on the book Where the Wild Things Are, was great because it got the kids learning and working together in a comfortable environment. The fact the Isaac got up and danced, didn't mean he didn't understand, but that he learned it in a different more exciting way.  He showed his classmates, that they can all learn in different ways, and that learning can be fun. Christine's story was another great example, because she was involved in so many activities, and the fact that she has down syndrome never slowed her down for a second. One of my mom's good friends has a grandson with Down Syndrome, and he so smart and the sweetest kid you could meet. When I was younger we did a walk for children with down syndrome, and it was such a good experience being there for him. I think this all relates back to the fact the people fear what they don't know.  If a teacher doesn't understand a child with a learning disability and the way in which they learn, then they might fear what the child could do. If they took the time to truly see what the child can bring to the classroom and they way in which they learn, then things would be very different for children with down syndrome. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOwDfnoek6E

The link above is to a video about a girl who is sending the message not to limit children with down syndrome. Her story reminded me of Christine's and the other children in the text. 

I have an aunt who is mentally challenged, and it has been tough for her at times, but she works and has made a great life for herself. There was never any need to separate her from the other children, because she could learn just as well as them, but just in a different way. If schools let children with disabilities be with those who are not, both groups would benefit from the interaction and learning together. 

Question: Children can benefit one another just by learning alongside each other in the classroom. Why should children with down syndrome be segregated, when they have the ability to learn like their peers? 

Literacy With Attitude 

Quotes: 

"Teachers who see themselves as allies of their working-class students can help their students to see that literacy and school knowledge could be potent weapons in their struggle for a better deal by connecting school knowledge with the reality of working-class student's lives." 

I agree with this statement, because I believe that knowledge is power. The more you know about a topic and study it, the more likely you can use it to your advantage. Teachers are the people who are able to inspire students, and get them to want to learn to better their situations. The more these students know and learn about, the greater chance they are able to make something of themselves, and reach their full potential.

" Don't look down your nose at people out there teaching real children in real and sometimes dreadful circumstances. Don't question their intelligence, or their commitment, or their motives."

Sometimes, I feel that society doesn't give teachers the credit they deserve. I can only imagine how hard it is to control a classroom, and to make children listen to you. These children are going through tough times, just like everyone else but that doesn't make them bad kids. The fact that they are from a rough neighborhood or learn at a slower pace, doesn't mean they shouldn't be given the same opportunities as someone from a wealthy area. Mr. Finn recognized that these tough teachers were able to respect their students and teach them in a way that the students benefitted.

" Anyon observed that in the middle-class school the children were developing a relationship to the economy, authority, and work that is appropriate for the white-collar working class and middle-class jobs; paper work, technical work, sales, and social services in the private and public sectors." 

I had never thought about how schools set you up for the type of job that you may be doing in the future. These children were already learning about how to work for jobs that they would most likely be going into. This is in contrast to the way the children behaved in the working class neighborhood schools. Those children resisted the idea of learning, because they knew that they had the option of becoming a part of the working class in the future.

Question: How is anything supposed to change if working class students are not given the same resources as those in middle and upper class schools? 

Becoming Something Different: Learning from Esmé 

Connections: 

I could connect this reading to two others that we have discussed in class. The first, is "The Silenced Dialogue, because that reading talks about teaching methods that do not work for students and their voices being silenced. Esmé had to be put into reading classes, that at some point in her education she didn't need to be in. When they discuss her time in sixth grade, she says that one of her teachers explained the assignment to her but she still did't understand. Her questions, were silenced in a way because the teacher assumed she understood even though she did not. The teaching methods, need to be altered obviously if these children are not understanding and failing major tests that they need in order to graduate. Esmé was silenced when she was in middle school, because she didn't have to resources to change anything. In high school, she was able to get into classes that she was comfortable in, but that was only after she learned how to find and use resources, such as her friends. 

The second text that this reminded me of was "Aria", because it was about a similar situation. Both people came from spanish speaking homes, and it was hard for them to adjust to learning english in schools. Esmé had and easier time than Richard, but the fact is, that the teachers and schools didn't make it any easier for them to adjust or learn by the schools standards. It is sad that a person has to hide their culture or language in order to learn english and be educated here in the United States. I think that embracing ones culture and language should be valued in schools, because that is the only way to keep language and traditions alive. I intend to be a Spanish teacher, and hopefully one day I will be able to teach spanish speaking students and not only teach them, but also learn from them. In this way, they can feel appreciated in the classroom, instead of feeling lost or confused about what is being taught. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17hvPhRf9ik

talking point:

The link above, is about a school in Texas, whose principal banned the students from speaking spanish. They said that the language was causing disruptions.  I found it ridiculous because half of the students speak spanish as a first language. I think that is basically taking away human rights, because how does anyone have the authority to dictate what a person can or can not say? The country is in for a rude awakening if schools start to ban any other language other than english. English is not the only dominant language in this country anymore, and everyone should be able to speak whatever language they choose to. 

Between Barack and a Hard place: Challenging Racism, Privilege and Denial 

Hyperlink 

After watching this video, I thought the speaker, Tim Wise made a lot of interesting points about racism and ideas that we as a society never speak of. We need to make the fact known that racism exists, whether we like it or not, and it needs to be addressed. I liked the analogies that Tim Wise made, in particular the one about people not considering themselves racist because they have black friends. The fact that a person has friends of another color, race, or nationality doesn't necessarily mean they are not racist towards others. people brush off this topic because it is taboo to talk about in public, so they make up an excuse that isn't even logical. The fact that so many people still obsess over the hatred of another race is ridiculous. The racism did not end when Barack became president. It was a large step for African Americans, but there are still people with cruel and nasty natures who will never understand what it means to accept everyone. These people obviously don't believe in progress, because instead their mentalities are going backward in time. 

When he spoke of a student of color going to a mostly white college, and how they may feel, I could connect that to when I attended Salve Regina for a year. My best friend and roommate, was from

Puerto Rico, and the came to Salve on a full scholarship. I have never met someone who works so hard, who is organized and who has been through many struggles such as herself. She was part of the minority on campus, but that never bothered her. She constantly puts herself out there and fought for union workers rights on campus. She has inspired me so much, and she deserves to be there as much as any white kid does. Yes, it was hard at first for her because she came from a school which was mostly made up of minorities, but she has worked hard and taken the opportunities she earned.  Salve has very little diversity, and that was one of the reasons I left, among other things. I admire her courage and I know she will do great, even if there are obstacles for her because of her background. I have seen white

privilege at work, and it is sad because sometimes the people who work hard are not given the same opportunities. That is why this issue needs to be addressed in teaching and in society. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/11/minority-students-worse-teachers_n_5135153.html

I have a link to an article, that talks about how minority students, usually end up receiving and education from teachers with less experience, and how this is less effective. It is sad, that these teachers don't care, and that the students are not getting the education they should in order to learn and grow.

Question: How are minority students supposed to achieve, if they are getting a second rate education. They won't be able to compete when it comes to getting into college, because they will not have received the same knowledge as children in other schools. 

In Service of What?

Reflection:

This text, made me reflect on the times that I have gone and done service learning in my community. There are so many opportunities in the community and through school to help others. I remember volunteering a lot in my community when I was younger for school and other extra-curriculars. I enjoyed doing different things, such as working at a food pantry. The people were some of the nicest I had ever met and so grateful for the food they received. I looked forward to going every week and seeing the people who came. It is so easy to be wrapped up in your own world, and be blind to the struggles that everyone faces. I agree that service learning should be a part of the curriculum, because it gives students an experience to reflect upon. Education is important, but without real world experience how are students to grow as people. 

The service learning that we are doing in this class is great way for us to branch out and get into the world of teaching.  I know that when I go into the classroom, everything we have talked about can be applied and its easier to visualize because we are actually in a school. The different projects that those kids did, were a way for them to connect with others, and we are doing the same by working with students. This class is one that has prepared me for the real world, more than most of my other ones. I think this is because we talk about controversial issues that we will have to face, and that will help us to be prepared. 

http://www.findyouthinfo.gov/youth-topics/service-learning/what-are-benefits-service-learning

The link I have given talks about the benefits of service learning for students. I think that service learning should be required for students in every school. The more we make connections, the more we will grow and learn.