Those students that are "disengaged" as readers and writers are often not encouraged in literacy engagements. Finding out the interests of the students and allowing them to be a part of the decision making for the out of school time studies was a great way to bring them together and help them to see they do have something to say and give. The use of "popular culture narratives" was great motivation. Through the use of alternative contexts (like films, Internet, and popular periodicals) students were able to interact with literacy. This is one way that our schools fail our students. We do not allow our students choices within multiple contexts. Students need to be encouraged and engaged through means that inspire them. When this happens they find a voice and in this type of environment it was very non-threatening and encouraging. If teachers would allow students to work with multi-media context (with guidelines and choices) students would have a sense of freedom about what they are reading and writing about. By allowing them to "re-author" themselves through new/different media students will reveal their desires and intelligences.
We (educators) need to be aware that we teach "culturally relevant" literacy. Not everyone is from the same culture and we need to be mindful of that when we are teaching. Our identities and ideas of cultural norms are very different. That's why it is so important for all students to have a voice. Re-shaping our curriculum by choosing themes that are culturally engaging for our students is best practice. Students want to see themselves somewhere in their learning and it is our job to ensure they do, to prevent disengagement. When our students become actively involved in the curriculum and are allowed to have a voice, their voice, not the voice of the majority of the group. Our minority groups need to feel they can speak up to help bridge the gap, and they will only do that if we encourage them. We must allow them opportunities to integrate who they are outside the classroom into the classroom.
Karin Scott
Comments (5)
I like how you ended your posting with the idea that we as educators need to allow students to integrate who they are outside the classroom into the classroom. Our goal should be to help students find their voice in all modes of literacy and purposely choosing literacy that meets their identity in the real world will give students the confidence to take more ownership of their learning. I think there are lots of good sources of media that are appropriate for school instruction that allow students to make connections with their own culture, race, or gender and think critically about what they have viewed or read. The challenge is to find those sources so students will become engaged in the learning process and not feel alienated by text that has no relevance to their lives.
Posted by Michelle Carlson | June 14, 2011 7:12 PM
Posted on June 14, 2011 19:12
Karin, how often do we talk about "bridging the gap" in education? I agree that we need to take steps as educators to make this happen. Providing these opportunities would be a great way to build a new understanding of different cultures. So often we form opinions about people before we really get to know them. These "outside" learning experiences could be beneficial on so many different levels.
Posted by Holly Lawson | June 14, 2011 7:32 PM
Posted on June 14, 2011 19:32
Hi Karin,
I am totally on board with your idea of giving students choice. In my opinion, it is the key in motivating them to learn. THey need to have the opportunities to make decisions regarding their education and we as teachers give them so little choice nowadays (primarily because WE are given so little choice!)
Different students learn different ways. Given the choice over which media to utilize to learn will inevitably have a positive affect on whatever you are trying to teach. I think a lot of teachers feel that giving students choice gives up control. There are ways to find that balance between control and freedom...it just takes practice!
Posted by Carrie Brown | June 14, 2011 8:18 PM
Posted on June 14, 2011 20:18
Karin,
You are correct, students do need a “voice” and should have a say in their education. We could always do a better job of utilizing resources and students’ interests to improve motivation. I also agree with your reminder for educators to not teach to a single culture but remember the importance of striving to include everyone in our class. Giving students choices and supporting their “voice” is a way we can help them actively participate in decisions about their education. I think this is important for all students, even in early elementary grades. Getting them engaged and assuming ownership early on is a great start to ensuring continued motivation and success.
Posted by Ruth Ann Timmons | June 14, 2011 10:17 PM
Posted on June 14, 2011 22:17
Your point about offering multiple choices in different contexts is so important, Karin. Sometimes I think the mandates in schools turn our children into dependent people rather than independent ones who can be confident in making their own decisions. I think your post gestures toward the idea of independence and ownership!
Posted by Dr. Jackson | June 16, 2011 10:50 AM
Posted on June 16, 2011 10:50