“Within real pressures and limits, such practice is always difficult and often uneven”. BUT IT IS POSSIBLE!
I felt the placement of this chapter by Hicks was a very effective way to end the book. For me, this chapter was uplifting. I really enjoyed reading the thoughts of Bakhtin, Rose, and Nussbaum that were identified by Hicks in this chapter.
Nussbaum suggests, “New relationships can constitute new forms of knowledge-some empowering, some tragic”. I think I focused a little too much on the hardships Jake and Laurie faced in the previous chapters in the book. Because this chapter, and Nussbaum’s idea made me realize and think about how effective teachers do have a chance to allow students to start with a new slate. Especially when teachers accept and take on the idea of moral relationships from Bakhtin. Hicks identifies the following statement about Bakhtin’s ideas on moral relationships: “his theory of language allows space for the kinds of everyday attachments that create the conditions for response”. This statement made me think that our actions can hurt others and others actions can hurt us, including those of students, but you get another chance because these “attachments” occur everyday, not once in a lifetime. I feel that the authors were also saying that it is important to provide these attachments for students and together create an environment that welcomes and supports “moral answerability”, because without those attachments “dialogue can be detached and oppressive.”
I think by creating these environments that are “attachment” enriched we welcome all discourses. To me, it seems that no matter the discourse of students, if they were able to experience and develop attachments with their teachers and peers then it would create a state that encourages hybrid languages of the classroom. For instance, I think of the times that I have experienced something new or different with a person that I was not very close to and we did not have the same background. Because of that attachment we made through the experience, it was easier to talk with them and experience other things with them even though our discourse was not the same.
All along we have learned that acceptance of various discourses is imperative, but I really feel that it is as important to not get overwhelmed if we upset someone because our discourses are different. I think when we realize that we have upset a student or co-worker, we have another chance to work with them and create attachments that enable each other to have hybrid discourses.
Elizabeth Griffin
Comments (2)
You make me think of a student who doesn't have many attachments at home or school. His father is in jail and he is just a very awkward kid. I really think his lack of relationships and attachments have affected his learning and ability to focus. I need to put a special effort toward him in these last two months of school.
Ashley Catlett
Posted by Ashley Catlett | April 26, 2009 1:11 PM
Posted on April 26, 2009 13:11
Elizabeth-
I believe you have uncovered my heart. I think one of my purposes is to build relationship with others. I think each of us has that desire. Predominantly, this manifests within my classroom. Some years, it is easier than others. Last year I had a student who needed to know he was cared for, yet I felt like he kept moving away from any attempt I made to know him. I spoke to my principal about him, and I have watched him this year in the third grade moving around in a detached, semi-conscious sort of way. It breaks my heart. He has a very hard home life, I often feel he is set to the side and not valued. I do not know how to help this student. He struggles with the academics of school as well as the social aspects. I tried so many different ways to reach him last year, and I could not uncover the ONE thing he needed. I pray a teacher down his path will take the time to work to uncover what he needs for connection. I believe when that is unlocked, WATCH OUT what will come spilling out of him. I do not believe we chose education as our profession simply due to a love of an academic subject. I beleive we felt a call to make a difference; to form attachments to children as a way to earn their ears and their minds and reveal to them a world they did not previously know existed. We will change this world, one student at a time!
Posted by Stefoni Shaw | April 26, 2009 5:25 PM
Posted on April 26, 2009 17:25