After reading both of these articles, I found myself thinking about the way teachers let students use their voice in the classroom. Other than a few shared prior knowledge experiences, I think journaling is about it. Students are in many ways repressed from sharing cultural ideas on topics and lessons within the classroom. There are so many opportunities to include the cultural knowledge that each student brings into the classroom in the lessons that are required to be taught by the state and by the school district. As teachers, we should jump at the opportunities to enrich a lesson with student feedback when ever possible. From this we are not only enriching the lives of the other students, but of the student that is sharing. Cultural pride is becoming a lost part of our students lives. By allowing this pride to spill over into the classroom, we are allowing students to be comfortable in who they are and not become lost in the melting pot of the classroom. By learning about each student through discussions, journaling, and shared experiences, teachers are allowing students to discover themselves and each other. A student can enrich the lives of other students by sharing a different cultural aspect and still remain true to himself as well. One of the most important parts of education is learning to apply what you've been taught while adding your own personal expertise to it.
Sarah Hutson
Comments (3)
The individual who posted this blog entry needs to go back and add his/her name at the end. I know he/she wants to get credit for the posting and it would be nice to be able to address the person if any others want to make comments.
Clyde Rice
Posted by Clyde Rice | June 13, 2010 1:34 PM
Posted on June 13, 2010 13:34
To the unknown writer,
You made many points throughout your post that I agree with as well. We as teachers should jump on every opportunity when it comes to enriching the lives of all of our students. But just think of the pride that student feels by being allowed to share a piece of their culture with others. It is so true that culture is getting lost. That is what I liked so much about both Henry and Staples, they are keeping the girls and boys "voices" alive.
Posted by Candace B Heffinger | June 15, 2010 11:16 PM
Posted on June 15, 2010 23:16
Wow. Well said. I think the biggest challenge is providing our students with a safe environment where their voices can be heard. That can be difficult in the classroom especially amongst peers. One way I think teachers can do this is to remove themselves from leading the discussion and validating students as right or wrong. When we allow students to practice speaking such as in a lesson where we question the author we allow that voice. I worked with my students to do that this year, and while it took time, I found my students were more willing to speak up and provide their own spin on things more than ever. Your students will amaze you when you give that chance. As a teacher sometimes it is hard to step back and let them lead, but it is so worth it.
Posted by Amy Hardister | July 1, 2010 11:34 PM
Posted on July 1, 2010 23:34