Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Video from CEP class
After class the other day, I got to thinking about the video called Children Full of Life, that we watched in class. I started thinking of a time when I was a young student, about the same age as that young student and how different my outcome was than his. I remember being yelled at in front of class for talking. The teacher had me come to the front of the class, apologize to the class and then ridiculed in front of everyone as the teacher went on for about five minutes on how not to behave, using me as the model. What the teacher didn't realize was that my glasses had broke and sitting in the back of the class I couldn't see the math problems on the board. I asked the kid next to me if I could see his paper, so I could copy down the problems. I'm not sure whether the teacher was already ticked off about something that morning, but it seems like I was that one thing that set her off. I hardly had a chance to explain myself, because she just raised her voice over mine, yelling for me to get up to the front. Not only was this humiliating but in the end I felt like the most horrible person alive. Is that really the environment that school should feel like? I feel that this video shows the way discipline should be done in the classroom, regardless of age. When students feel that their voice can be heard in class, and also in a way to defend their friends, it will create a bond and positive learning environment, rather than a scared and frightening one. If my friend had a chance to speak, and defend me, by explaining what I was trying to do, I wouldn't have been humiliated and put in one of the toughest moments that I can remember from school. My one question is, should any child have have one of their worst experiences in school be in elementary school? I say no.
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Jason, I completely agree with your post. School is difficult enough for all students and it is often harder for students with disabilities. Admitting that you don't understand something is already hard enough, but when you get ridiculed for it, it makes it even worse. Teachers need to build relationships with their students. The ultimate goal should be that teachers and students can openly discuss tough issues and students can ask the hard questions. Teachers should listen to students reasoning and offer them the opportunity to make their case. This skill is vital in the real world, so why shouldn't we teach it in class? However, students still need to see their teacher as an authoritative figure; someone who is in charge, but also someone to respect. But, like I've known for years, respect has to travel both ways- You have to give it to get it. If teachers automatically assume that students will respect every idea or opinion that flies out of their mouth...they are sorely mistaken. A teacher needs to respect a students thoughts, ideas and opinions as well. Mutual respect can lead to a welcoming and open classroom environment.
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