Staples article Hustle and Flow (re-authoring representation for Black masculinity)
Henry’s article Speaking Out (African Caribbean girls)
As I read the Staples study and the Henry study the thought that struck me over and over again was the importance of connecting with students. In both studies the students who were involved were ones we would characterize as under-achievers. They were clearly not connecting with what was being taught at school, nor did they indicate that they connecting with their teachers and the subjects they were being taught. I found it interesting that Henry noted “It took those first few weeks to convince them that there is never only one ‘right answer’ gleaming on the pages of a book.” (p. 241) I couldn’t help but wonder how these students had gotten to this point in their schooling without having anyone actually listen to what they were saying, or to help them understand that their thoughts were worth listening to. This seems to be a prevalent occurrence in the articles we have read – it certainly worries me that we, as educators across the nation, appear to be failing so many of our students simply by not making an effort to understand – and appreciate the relevance of - their backgrounds.
It seemed, again in both articles, that the students’ lives outside of school were totally separated from their lives in school. This, too, concerns me. I have always thought of education as preparation for my life, believing that, for the most part, what we learned in school would be relevant in my life. Generally speaking, I have found that to be the truth. It seems, however, that for these students, school was just something to get through until they could really live their lives outside of school. As lacking in relevance as their school experience appears, it is no wonder so many drop out of school before they graduate!
One technique which Henry used as a tool for self-expression was drama. I couldn’t help but think, as I read that section, how will the budgetary issues affect those students whose forms of self-expression are the arts? In the age of “No Child Left Behind” and “Race to the Top” are we allowing monetary issues to cut us off at the knees as we seek to help these students learn through these different learning styles?
It is evident that these students could learn. Staples’ interviews with the teachers after the conclusion of Youth Leadership showed that, as did Henry’s experiences in her study. It seems that what they needed was to be taught, with material that was relevant to them, how to use the “processes of engaging media texts” (Staples, p., 388), and to know that their efforts would be supported rather than disparaged as inadequate. I thought Staples’ recommendation for working with “urban adolescents of color who appreciate popular cultural narratives” (p. 388) were insightful, and that they could be applied to many educational settings, including school settings where other minorities - American Indians, Hispanics, etc. – are in the population.
It is evident that we in education have a lot to learn!
Marlee Wright
Comments (5)
Connections definitely play a huge part in reaching our students. We can not expect them to be actively engaged if they are not at all invested in the material. It is our job to provide our students with various outlets to do so. It is scary to think about how budget cuts could hinder students’ expression through the arts, such as drama, art, and music class. It also makes me wonder, are the lack of connections why students keep their personal life separate from their school life? After the readings last week, I thought about implementing a student interest survey at the beginning of each school. The articles this week verified that thought for me. Gathering information on students’ backgrounds and interests can provide a starting place for potential connections. Just like you stated, we want education in school to be relevant for our students.
Posted by Stacy Durham | June 13, 2011 10:28 PM
Posted on June 13, 2011 22:28
Marlee, I feel that the distrust among our students are not only due to the complacent role and standoffish attitudes of educators but also negative effects from society outside of education too. When these two should be working together for the benefit of the student, I sometimes feel that instead they are working together by providing negative reinforcements that only widenthe gap between teacher and students further and further.
The budget cuts you referenced in your post only confirms that educators are going to have to discover creative methods to reach the needs of their students. This creativity will require extra effort and time in planning and devotion. I like how Stacy implied that students will be more engaged if they feel invested in the material, and the way to get them invested is to start first appealing to their interests and backgrounds and allow them to have a say in what is used. I've used reading inventories at the beginning of a school year in order to find connections for students' reading interests in the books offered to them within the classroom. As a teacher, I could go further by implementing interest and background surveys to help me plan material that is relevant to my students so that they can connect inside and outside of school together. I've always heard and felt that a person feels more comfortable at home to truly express himself among those that he loves and knows the best...those who he trusts and knows will love him unconditionally. Why can't teachers help create this within their classrooms? We need to look at what's going on at home and among peer groups in order to utilize some of these same methods within our classrooms, and we need to realize that it begins with us and our actions towards our students.
Posted by Melissa Riley | June 13, 2011 11:05 PM
Posted on June 13, 2011 23:05
HI Marlee,
I agree with your insight about how students have a whole different life in school than at home. I agree with you that I would hope that what I teach students in school will prepare them for real life. But if you really think about it, you are doing that...it might not seem obvious. But the little teachable moments you have, mixed with the reading and math skills that they will need to function in society...you are making a difference.
Granted, with these students, I see your point, and it's unfortunate that they create such a separation between their 2 lives.
Posted by Carrie Brown | June 14, 2011 8:07 PM
Posted on June 14, 2011 20:07
I'm like you in that I thought of education as preparation for my life, believing that, for the most part, what I learned in school would be relevant in my life. I still think that way...what I am learning through my graduate studies I am using everyday. My education is something that I need and rely on each day. But, what I have never taken the time to think about is that it isn't that way for many students. Your right in that school for the students in the article and many of our students, isn't relevant to their daily lives. That's why we must try even harder to find the interests of our students and allow them to have a voice in their learning. Encourage them that there isn't always a right or wrong answer, but an opportunity for them to speak. Powerful learning can occur through conversations and listening to one another. We have to take the learning to our students through whatever means that may be, we can't wait on them to come to us because that may never happen. Times are changing and so is educaiton. What has always been isn't working anymore, we must reach our students through multiple learning styles and different media. Through the use of good literature we can encourage our students to create their voice and at the same time still teach what needs to be taught.
Posted by Karin Scott | June 14, 2011 8:42 PM
Posted on June 14, 2011 20:42
Your integration of the issues in the readings is so smart! I too have always thought that because children and teens spend so much of their young lives in schools, it is *essential* that the experience as much connection and integration of their "selves" in schools. Your critique of this problem is excellent!
Posted by Dr. Jackson | June 16, 2011 10:33 AM
Posted on June 16, 2011 10:33