Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Appreciative Inquiry Week!
Your comments here must be on the "positive" tip. Feel free to comment about any issues or material from class, life experiences relevant to our discussions, people from the class, etc. The "rule" is that it must offer words of praise, growth, celebration, or excitement. For example, if you encounter a great example for teaching, share it! If you appreciate something someone did or said, let us know! If you have learned something useful along the way in this class, bring it out! If you witnessed a wonderful moment of social justice, tell us!
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Leethaniel Brumfield III said....
ReplyDeleteHey gang!
My appreciation inquiry: I feel most compelled to share with everyone the epiphany that I had today concerning for my close, small network of “true” friends. Although I feel that over the past couple of years I’ve “outgrown” a lot of people who I considered “friends,” today I received a phone call from someone that I’ve known for over 11 years—my best friend, Toby!
Even though we’ve communicated on a routine basis and I seen him over the Christmas break, we hadn’t talked since December.
Professionally, we’re both in two different places with dissimilar responsibilities and interests. It was just nice to know that he thinks of me and that we are able to recognize and respect each other, as we progress along different academic avenues. Today I discovered that perhaps one of the nice things about being distant from those that you love is the sincere excitement of planning how you will spend your time with them when you meet again!
To be perfectly honest, I don’t feel like I have any “real” friends in Raleigh yet but I have many ‘acquaintances”. I’m fine with having acquaintances but it’s with friends that I feel I can really be myself and resolve the barrier that exists when you feel that you have to constantly be aware of the consequences that may result from disregarding circumstances and situations.
A ‘true” friend, for example, is one who doesn’t judge me when I mispronounce a word or speak with slang and who can identify with being raised in an ebonics-infested environment but also knows how to write and speak mainstream English perhaps better than most.
I am patient and hopeful that in the near future I will establish more intimate relationships with people in Raleigh.
Experience has taught to me to be cautious but I appreciate the level of comfortability that I feel increases as time passes. After such a short period of time in ED508, I can already see a growing level of “openness” amongst everyone. And for that, I really look forward to Tuesday evenings!
I guess my take-home message is APPRECIATE your true friends and recognize and understand that outgrowing old friends only opens to the door for … NEW ones!
I work at a small private middle school here in Raleigh. After the earthquake in Haiti a few weeks ago, we decided as the school administration team to collect money in the homerooms to send to the American Red Cross to go towards helping the victims of the Haiti disaster. However, the kids didn't allow it to just stay there. One of our social studies teachers prompted the kids to think about other ways they could raise money to help the Haiti situation that were more creative. He essentially wanted the kids to take ownership of the situation and take the mentality of social justice. The kids decided to host a talent show and charge admission in order to raise money and awareness about the crisis. By promoting ownership of the project, the kids have done a lot of the organization, planning, and leg work in order to get the talent show moving forward. They will be holding the show in two weeks and it will feature members of our middle school performing their "talents"!
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a great way to teach kids in a social justice manner while also working towards social justice in the goal of the project! I applaud this particular teacher for "facilitating" rather than "forcing" and therefore teaching the kids how to organize a relief structure in response to a crisis situation that benefits people thousands of miles from them.
I also want to thank Leethaniel for truly promoting a sense of warmness and open-ness on the blog. He has single-handedly started several good discourses on the various topics we have covered. I just wanted to thank him for his sincerity and thoughtfulness! I do think that has benefitted our discussion in this medium!
I am student teaching this semester and I truly appreciate this experience. I am so excited to be applying things from ED 508 in my classroom. It's been amazing for me to see how even the smallest things that show our humanness make such a difference! My teacher writes notes at the beginning of the semester to her students who let her know things about themselves, and so many kids and parents have given positive feedback on this. Even going to get a kid a calculator or smiling at them seems to be making them want to work. One of our students told the teacher that this is the first math class that she's felt comfortable in and it makes her want to work---what a compliment to my teacher!
ReplyDeleteI am so blessed with my cooperating teacher. It seems like we often hear bad news about student teaching, but I want you all to be encouraged that it can be an AMAZING experience. We are all in this place because we want to affect lives--and each kid that walks in our door is equally unique and important. They all have many differences, but in many ways they are the same--they all want to be important to someone. What an awesome profession we have chosen guys! Keep your eyes on the goal :)
Leethaniel Brumfield III said....
ReplyDeleteMorgan Early – I am glad that your student teaching experience is going well. Reading your comments makes me look forward to it, too. I hope it will be as memorable as yours. I agree that often times we hear of the negativity associated with students in the classroom setting but seldom are the “joys” of teaching celebrated!!!
I’ve ALWAYS said that teaching is a profession that offers you to most the most influential impact of the lives others. As with anything, the challenge may be great but the reward is even GREATER! I’m sure you would agree. Thanks for sharing...
Wow Morgan, your comment about student teaching has gotten me pretty pumped up about it too. I'm so glad you're enjoying the experience!
ReplyDeleteI've been really impressed by this class in its receptiveness to others. After our second class (you know which one), I was a little afraid of what the remainder of our classes would be like, but I have been pleasantly surprised!
I also really appreciate the oppenness of so many of you! I'm naturally a very shy person, so though it's difficult for me to be open myself, I have greatly enjoyed listening and reading about the rest of you. The comments that were made during our last activity in class this past week (the writing exercise) were wonderful and helpful and really reiterated for me how much I really value your comments and opinions and look forward to hearing them.
Lastly, I'd just like to say how much I'm enjoying this program as a whole. The professors and course-work I've encountered this semester have been remarkable and I am very excited to continue for my degree.
I will certainly echo what Rebecca says about the program thus far. My brother was involved in one of those "rush you into the classroom and get your Masters/teaching certification on the side while you work" deals in New York. It was emphatically not a rewarding experience for him. He didn't feel like he got much in the way of meaningful content instruction and thought the Ed classes were a huge waste of time. Unsurprisingly, he is no longer teaching.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit apprehensive, based on his experience, about what the NCSU MAT program would be like, despite knowing that teaching is really what I have always been cut out to do. To say that I have been pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. I've taken real history courses and been truly impressed with the seriousness and usefulness of Ed instruction. This class, to this point, has certainly contributed to that. It's got me thinking, in part about stuff that I think about all the time (race and ethnicity), but also about stuff like gender and sexual identity that often has flown beneath my radar.
To this point, I most definitely would recommend the NCSU MAT program. It sounds like, judging from Morgan's comment, student teaching is cool, too. Which is something about which I am both apprehensive and excited.
Leethaniel, you wrote "ebonics-infested" like it was a bunch or rats or a disease. "Infested" has a negative connotation that I don't think you intended. "Ebonics" (I don't care for the term because I think it sounds hokey, but whatever) is probably the most authentically "American" language there is, as it was created pretty much completely in "America" (as opposed to the languages of natives who lived on these continents prior to them being America) by a group of people who were forcibly separated from their own culture and basically compelled to create a new one out of the bits and scraps of various traditions that the retained and acquired. What's more American than that? The United States is a hybrid nation.
ReplyDeleteSo far, this class has been fairly eye-opening for me as well. In Missouri, I had a Christian friend who, instead of "what's up" or "how's it going", would ask "what is God doing in your life" as a greeting kind of question, and really had gotten me used to looking for the good that God is doing in my life and the lives of others around me. Similarly, the question this week as well as the class so far has really opened me up to see "what social justice or injustice is happening in the world around me". I feel like I've become much more aware of male privilege, and from seeing this perspective of being on the "bottom deck" without men really meaning to put me there, it has helped me to understand how someone can be on the "top deck" and not know it and be keeping others on the "bottom deck" without being conscious of those actions.
ReplyDeleteI have really appreciated this class in general, not just the instruction, since so many people are so honest and open, while also being receptive and respectful of the opinions of other people. I know I've been really quiet in class, but it's so interesting to see all the other perspectives and see how they fit in a bigger picture view of a situation, and I've gotten to learn a lot from you guys, so thank you!
One positive thing that I want to say here on this blog is this: I am extremely impressed by the people in this class and in the MAT program as a whole. There are so many people in this class and program (students and professors) that are kind, thoughtful, and academically brilliant. You all always seem to point out things that I otherwise would not see or think about. I am certain that there are going to be some damn good teachers coming out of NCSU's MAT program. Being around you has made me, and will continue to make me, a better teacher and overall person. I salute you all.
ReplyDeleteThis class so far has been an eye opening experience. After every class, I have a hard time winding my brain down because of the issues and questions that are raised. Out of all the classes that I have had in the MAT program, this one is the most thought provoking and so far the most fun.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone!
I concur with John Jackson above. I am always so impressed with my fellow students, who are smart and interesting. Which leads to the amazing tidbit I learned last week: Michael and I are both Social Worker's kids. Priest Kids (Pks) and Army Brats will appreciate that it is great to share a common experience!
ReplyDeleteI am excited to hear how Elizabeth's week went with her students. I hope some of the advice offered last week worked! I tried calling a few likely suspects by Mr. and Ms. to mixed results, but I am their substitute teacher, which does not really lend itself to making change.
And finally, my son, sixteen, called out a commercial for saying," I am a mom, if I can do it, you can too!" I was very proud of him for noticing the slight and for being passionately annoyed. So between the fabulous new crop of teachers coming through and one young man who considers all women his equal, surely, life is good and there is hope.
When your parents are social workers, empathy is mandatory. It's a little weird.
ReplyDeleteI will also go on the record to agree with Katherine and John that the caliber of students in the MAT program has been very refreshing to me. If you are surrounded by people who want to be experts in the field they are studying, you are BOUND to learn something not only about them and the subject but more importantly something about yourself! I too was unsure of the MAT program coming in however I have been very pleased with the professors, subject matter, and more importantly the focus on our future students. The fact that the program is geared towards producing well-intentioned, enlightened, and gifted educators indicates to me that the students who we will be working with are the ones benefiting the most from the program. That's the way it should be!
ReplyDeleteI just remembered the most important positive tip ever! South of Broad (Pat Conroy)is perhaps the best book ever.. and ought to be required reading for this class... mostly because I already bought and read it! I cannot say enough fabulous things about the writing, characters and plot. So if you need a break from academia, check it out.
ReplyDeleteWonderful ideas -- keep them flowing!
ReplyDeleteIn case there are any students who plan to teach in the math and science fields and have been wondering how social justice work applies to them, I am excited to share additional thoughts about that issue next week. In the meantime, I wanted to share information about one of my long-time favorite initiatives, the Algebra Project....
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/07/education/algebra-project-bob-moses-empowers-students.html?pagewanted=1
This class has really had a positive affect on me. I had no idea what to expect coming into this social diversity course. I am very surprised by the conversations and how much I am enjoying this class. I look forward to Tuesdays each week. I have learned so much from Dr. Greenfield and from the rest of the classmates. I appreciate everyone being so open about their feelings and experiences because we can learn a lot from honesty. I think we have grown so much from even the first day. We have overcome many controversial topics and have really had great discussions. We are never going to always agree with each other, but i think that whats makes this class so great. I am also really impressed by the blogs so far. They are really empowering and I appreciate all the thoughtfulness coming from each individual. I hope that we can continue on this path and continue learning from each other. I am excited to see what is left for the semester.
ReplyDeleteThis class has presented a sense of community and shared learning more than any class I have taken as a graduate student. It is very interesting to think that this class could have a completely different dynamic from semester to semester, based on the students in the class and the ideas that they present. Unlike other students in the class, I am not overly impressed with NC State’s MAT program as a whole, so far. I will be halfway done with the program at the end of this semester, and have failed to learn what I think are some very basic things about teaching. But to me, this class is different: we are finally learning about the students and what can be the best way to communicate, relate, and relay information to them. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think everything that happens in class is perfect. The discussion in the first few classes seemed much more in depth than the last few; this could be because of a number of the things, like the snow day break or that people aren’t as passionate about the more recent topics. Maybe everyone is trying to come across as very open-minded and accepting, and afraid to say what they really feel. I think more work in smaller groups would be beneficial, because that could lead to more people presenting more ideas. Most of the best discussions I have heard in this class (and others) came from the smaller group activities. But I do enjoy the fact that this class is not simply textbook and lecture based. The articles are thought provoking and inspire conversation and debate.
ReplyDeleteDr. G - That was an amazing article. Thank you so much for sharing that! Definitely very inspiring. There are a couple copies of his book at the ncsu library, I may have to check one out... :)
ReplyDeleteAnother quick appreciative inquiry - A Computer Engineer Barbie is going to be made!! This is so fantastic since it helps girls to realize that math/science/engineering careers are for girls too.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.barbiemedia.com/admin/uploads/ComputerEngineerBarbie.pdf
I have to say first that I appreciate the task we were given. I think so many times that we do not appreciate enough the good things going on and praise the good works of ourselves and others. Something about our society has us always thinking we can do more and be better...and while that's true, and is the mentality that does make us great and wonderful people, it is nice to recognize the things you do have and the person you are, even if there is still room for improvement. In a class such as this, it can be easy to slip down the negative slope and be critical...thank you Dr. G for giving us this opportunity to "ac-cent-uate the positive!" haha...I'm a dork, I know : )
ReplyDeleteMorgan, I have to point out that wonderful observation that I think is the key to all humanity (that's not even hyperbolic, I'm serious) that everybody just wants to know that they're important to someone. To be recognized, to be noticed, as Dr. G said in class Tuesday, the sweetest sound to anyone is the sound of their name.
That is what I appreciate about this class most, is that we are working toward finding common ground, recognizing our differences, but learning how to apply them in productive ways, and we're doing this for ourselves right now, to become better, more cognizant people, but ultimately so that we may appropriately recognize our students and make them feel important. Thanks everyone for your contributions! Putting ourselves out there is the only way to make a change.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Wow ... Kate, thank you for the Barbie update ... as a child who loved barbies it is great to see the modern influence of todays society ... as I believe all my barbies were brides, moms and princesses!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I am thankful for the opportunity to be in this class and the openness in which I have both seen and felt in our classroom on a weekly basis. I feel as if this class has a genuine sense of application to our teaching careers and I am thankful to be able to bring even more knowledge into the classroom. I am thankful that I will hopefully have the strategies and abilities to create an environment that is open and to foster an environment that is comfortable for all my students. In addition, I would like to share an "ah-ha" moment with you all. Last weekend my husband and I were at a good friends house of ours with four other couples. About half way through the party as I looked around the room I realized that my husband and I were the only Caucasian people at the get together. It was not odd, and it did not change the dynamics of the party in any way ... I just felt like I had a glimpse of realizing what minorities might sense and feel like when they look around, go to a store, go to a classroom etc, and do not see anyone else who looks like them. It is interesting feeling, one I have never felt, but I can honestly say I have begun to understand and grasp at a greater level the importance in which this class holds and the importance of ensuring that our classrooms of the future are ones of positive atmospheres and children excited to come to our class everyday.
Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and have a wonderful Valentines Day to everyone! On this day especially I think it is easy to find thanks for those who are around us!
Also - I forgot one thing. I would like to say that I enjoyed Morgan's post about student teaching. I do find that I often hear people complaining and frustrated from their student teaching experiences and I found it refreshing to read Morgan's post about her positive experience thus far in the schools. I can't wait to student teach!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate Jack's honest comments about the benefits of small group discussions (others have hinted at it in various ways as well) in their posts. I had originally wanted to do a whole class go-around to examine the chapters for the week, but perhaps it would be more productive to utilize small groups instead. Having seen the highly engaging conversations in that format (and the fact that the "quieter" students seem to perform more comfortably in those spaces), we will head in that direction.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, as a reminder, you aren't necessarily obligated to speak about the class per se in your posts... as some already have done, you can share great tips, resources, examples, stories, websites, etc. that relate to themes that we are exploring. It's up to you.
On a personal level, like others, I am most thankful for the folks willing to share their ideas and questions openly and honestly. Sometimes engaging in these conversations as a class can be daunting. I have been especially appreciative of those folks who have been willing to engage in discussions one on one with me either in class or out; David, Candice, Leethanial, Terry, Jack, Aly, and Rodnella.
ReplyDeleteOn a more global level, I sometimes become daunted by the mammoth task before us – I’m trying to remember the serenity poem and to start with me, but I do frequently loose sight of the trees for the forest. I was listening to an American history lecture given by Prof. Allen Guelzo of Gettysburg College and near the beginning he says:
“We really believe, as Americans, as a nation, that we are like nothing else the world has even seen before. We are exceptional. We are exemplary. We are a city on a hill. …We created as Americans, the first large-scale democratic republic in human history, and we made it work. While other nations were busy butchering each other over whether or not the psalms should be sung in Latin or sung in French, we created a system of religious tolerance that put away the old religious conflicts of the past. And we opened up our economic and political system to anyone with the brains and the talent to make a way forward. And we looked to things like that, not to the characteristics of hereditary aristocracy, but to people who had that brains, had that talent, and were willing to put it to risk.”
Prof. Guelzo continues to point out the many times in our history that we went against these ideals, but his comment gave me pause. In many ways, it is a luxury, a privilege, to be able to discuss these issues of social justice, because we live in a place where injustice and intolerance is unacceptable. This gives me hope and pride, and makes me thankful to be able to put my energies into this cause.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend and I sincerely look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!
Thanks Erin! I really enjoyed our brief discussion(s) as well. I think that these MAT classes (and especially one as social-issue oriented as ED 508) are awesome because we get to know each other on a more personal level. It has given me a good deal of confidence before entering the classroom and I hope that I will get the opportunity to work with many of you within this program and as future educators.
ReplyDeleteMichael: I think you made a really good point about "infested" suggesting a negative connotation. I took a lot from our last class; I think in many ways we should celebrate our differences in culture, heritage, language, etc. Of course, the truth is that most people that go on to be successful in Western society need to have the ability to speak and write in "standard" English. Still, that doesn't mean that "Ebonics" or AAE (I don't really like either of these terms, but I see the necessity) should be considered below or above any other dialect. As a general rule, I don't speak "Ebonics," but as an American I take pride in our slang and the ability to understand and appreciate it.. its something that not many foreigners will ever understand about English.
I would like to add that I have been dealing with some health and family issues this semester (and much of last) and if I seem a little distant, that’s the reason. I hate missing class and I have a lot of work that I need to make-up. It has been stressing me out and stress on top of stress is not a good thing…so reading this positive thread is really encouraging and uplifting.
A final “positive” topic I would like to bring up: I have some close friends whose lives were drastically altered by Hurricane Katrina and having spoken to them recently, I would like to say that this Saints Superbowl win is truly having a great affect on their lives and the city of New Orleans. I think it’s a real instance of sports transcending sports and I’m so happy for them and their families. New Orleans has come a long way, but anything that elicits such a positive reaction and feeling for her residents is amazing and a great story. Saints fans and New Orleans certainly deserved it.
Looking forward to Tuesday!
Hey everyone,
ReplyDeleteOK, I've had just a terrible, horrible week... so it's a bit difficult for me to be very positive right now.
But I just read through the posts and as always, some great stuff. As others have said, it was really uplifting to read Morgan Early's post about student teaching. Like many, I too am apprehensive about that time when it comes... hmm, sounds like I'm describing death... I can practically see a teacher in a black robe leading me to her/his classroom and poking me with a scythe... But seriously, amdist the grind of grad school it's nice to know there are good experiences awaiting us, and do believe there are.
Beyond that, I also enjoyed Leethaniel's appreciation of true friendships. Leethaniel, like you my dearest friends (which at my age, I can appropriately count on one hand) are living elsewhere, but social networking has kept me in regular contact with them. Though to be fair, I have made a few very good friends in NC as well.
And I also agree with Jack's sentiments about this class, and my classmates. I am not the brightest bulb in the room, but hopefully my quirks have left you all amused on occasion. I have tremendous respect for the obvious intellect that surrounds me, and it's always a pleasure to see you all, and read your posts online.
Hope you all had a great weekend.
Connecting with what Erin and David have said, I've been thinking about diversity and the Olympics the last couple days. One of my favorite parts is the parade of nations at the opening ceremony. It's exciting to me to see all of the delegations from many places I may not know much about. I enjoy learning a snippets about different cultures and the world class athletes from those countries.
ReplyDeleteThis year I was struck by the fact that many of the small delegations were made up of people who had either studied in the United States or Great Britain at some point. We are very privileged that our citizens have the option to devote their lives to sports if they choose, and our population has the money to spend supporting these athletes. The privilege of education and the freedom and ability to pursue education has been on my mind lately. We are all very lucky that we have circumstances which make it possible for us to have reached this point in our MAT career. As we celebrate diversity and the accomplishments of world class athletes, and our development as teachers, I think it's important that we remember the journeys it took to get people to this place and all the lives they have touched along the way. I look forward to continuing to learn from each and every one of you and hearing about your journeys.
Also, go Saints! I was really excited to see them win. One interesting comment I saw from a fan was that the Saints can't be called the ain'ts anymore! While not all people are into sports, they can be pretty inspirational with stories of dedication, determination and hard work paying off. May we all have our Super Bowl winning moments in life. (c=
I also wanted to add a positive, non-class or school related post, having to do with my family… about a month ago my cousin and her husband adopted a kid from Haiti. The adoption had been in the works for about two and a half years (he’s four and a half years old now) and the earthquake definitely sped up the process over the course of about a week(there were some pretty wild stories from that week) They had multiple copies of the paperwork, which was fortunate because both the government building holding this information and orphanage in which the kids lived were destroyed. Anyway, I think there are all sorts of incredibly interesting and challenging diversity issues in this case. I think there are considerations for adopted parents and children that biological parents don’t have to worry about, and even more so when the children are from different countries and ethnicities. My cousin and her husband are both very dynamic people and their child from Haiti now has some amazing opportunities and ahead of him. It’s going to be really cool for myself and the rest of my family to learn from their experiences as they raise their new family over the coming years. Definitely one positive outcome, for my cousin’s family and their new son, that emerged from a huge tragedy.
ReplyDeleteI always find it kind of admirable, in a comedic way, when some dude from a tropical country where it hasn't snowed in 87 years decides to participate in the Winter Olympics because he picked up recreational skiing when he was in grad school at the University of Colorado or some such. Not only is that guy doing something that is simultaneously awesome and a little silly (because those characters are almost uniformly awful compared to the world-class types), but he's also showing how goofy the Olympics really are. And, frankly, I think the Olympics need to have the seriousness taken out of them from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI definitely concur with Erin about people willing to engage in honest conversations outside of class. It is very helpful to speak with people one on one, since at times it can seem overwhelming and intimidating to share a personal thought or feeling.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with John Jackson about the diversity of people in the MAT program. The people from out of state offer such a rich aspect to the program. As an undergrad at NCSU, most of the people I met were from somewhere in NC. It is great to have more experiences and opinions highlighting certain issues and coloring topics making them more multi-faceted and more fun to learn from. Thank you to all of you.
I was also very excited about the Eubonics discussion. I felt like it was a break from the emotional waters we have been navigating through lately. It was something very applicable to me as well. I have been struggling with the concept of attempting to sound like the kids I work with as a way to relate to them. It was great to hear some honest feedback and discussion about the whole topic in general.
Dr. G, thank you for sharing your experience with us, as well as your writing (aka the chart). It was helpful for me to see you be more vulnerable with us. It has inspired me to try and be more vulnerable with sharing my opinions and experiences as teaching tools for others.
Candice, as an out-of-stater (and a recently arrived one at that), rest assured that you North Carolinians are a learning experience for me, too. White people with southern accents? That's something I'd only see on "Matlock" or "The Dukes Of Hazzard."
ReplyDeleteAnd not to ruin the positive vibe, but the reaction (or lack thereof) of municipal authorities in the Triangle to a little baby snowstorm was amazing, too.
Dr. G, Ray Allen is a high quality blurb.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of positivity, I like "Eubonics" better than "Ebonics." "Eu" being the Greek prefix meaning "good, well, normal, happy, pleasing." Better than some stupid tree. Good neologism there.
ReplyDeleteRealizing that this is a bit off topic, but watching the parade of nations, I saw my friend Tucker Murphy carrying the flag for Bermuda! We were in EMT training together and he would go on these epic runs. We would joke that he was preparing for the Olympics and now he competes today in the men's cross country...
ReplyDeleteI have to add that the caliber of students in this class is amazing, not to be a sycophant but I am very impressed with the level of intelligence and thinking that goes on in the classroom and on the blogs. I find that this class is Not about conversion but about inclusion and acceptance. I admire those people who post their honest feelings and ideas that may not the same as what “main stream”? This class is about understanding differences and where they come from. We are truly a tossed salad not a melting pot. I think that the Olympics demonstrates that idea most of all. We are all of the Human Race but nationalistic pride does not have to be a negative. It is wonderful to see pride in one’s culture and compete for one’s country in peaceful way. No wonder the Greeks would stop the wars for a brief time for friendly competition. Maybe we should have the Olympics year round if we could stop wars. This class has helped me understand myself and where I come from. Sometimes it is painful but necessary to understand how I am perceived by others. Technology has made the world much smaller than when I was a child. All opinions should be regarded and treated with the same empathy we expect ours to treated with. Dr. G has an amazing way of weaving a thread during class and bringing it all together at the end. Although sometimes I wonder where he is going I believe that this class has benefitted me professionally and personally.
ReplyDeleteAll right there is my love!
RACHAEL, this past week, I was in a similar situation in terms of being the only white person. Normally I don’t notice or care that I’m the only white person around. But because of this class, I became acutely aware of it and totally freaked out! I didn’t freak out on the outside, but on the inside, I was debating everything I should say and how I should say it. I ended up not saying much at all and trying to desperately blend in and make it through without drawing attention to myself. My personality is typically out and about and less inhibited so the awareness of being the only one and my reaction to it was crazy to experience!
ReplyDeleteERIN, that is awesome. You should work that into your class somehow! I suspect actually connecting with actors, authors, athletes, and other people we see on TV is pretty empowering for kids. I know it’s cheesy but just saying, “I know that guy! You could be that guy!” could make a difference in kids’ perceptions of possibilities. Anyway, that is so cool, and I’m gonna start telling people I know somebody who knows that guy! Go, Tucker Murphy!
MICHAEL and DAVID, I suspect “Ebonics” wouldn’t sound so bad if it hadn’t been used so much to malign a group of people. It’s like once we came up with a catchy word for “the way some black people speak,” other people were able to iterate their prejudice more succinctly by using that word. I rarely hear it come up in a positive context, and in conversations I’ve had, there’s normally been a whole lot of resistance to the idea that it is anything but illiteracy. That’s why I was impressed that the class was so quick to embrace it as a legitimate and powerful form of linguistic expression! :)
DR. GREENFIELD, thanks so much for posting the article. I try not to get too caught up in standardized test scores and statistics and stuff, but the algebra test scores those students are pulling down are awesome! And they aren’t just producing a positive outcome in terms of scores. The process itself is the best part—for the students and the teachers! I liked the teacher who reported that not only is he becoming more effective, but he’s also having more fun and less difficulty with discipline. Best job ever!
"I suspect 'Ebonics' wouldn’t sound so bad if it hadn’t been used so much to malign a group of people."
ReplyDeleteI don't like it because it sounds too much like a silly euphemism to me. It's like the name of an air freshener or something. I prefer to use direct language. "Black English" or "African American English" works better for me. But it's just an aesthetic preference, really. I'm all for people using it.
FYI: The Carolina (sorry) Freshman Summer Reading Book has been announced. It seems appropriate to our class.
ReplyDeletePicking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption by:
Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton, with Erin Torneo
I almost did not have an appreciative blog post. When I went to school today some fellow teachers were harping about how it made them upset when the previous assistant principal asked them to inquire to their students about the significance of the then Senator Obama running for office. One even went so far as to say, "Why? Would he have asked us to if it was McCain?" She was completely unable to see how the discussion would include and interest a new group of students.
ReplyDeleteAny who...my Appreciative moment came three hours later in a science class. The teacher decided that in order to incorporate Black History Month and Science, she would have her students research important black inventors and scientists. She first gave the students a quick lesson on the origin of Black History month and even talked to them about white privilege and how as a white woman she is aware of the advantages she has. She told the students to imagine how hard it must have been for these people to do their work and make real progress in a world where privilege for them was not the norm. She told them they were going to make childrens' books so that younger children could understand the important contributions also.
I was really excited about this assignment for several reasons. She was the first teacher to mention Black History Month! I was also excited about the non-traditional approach she was using. She said she didn't want to simply talk about the "known figures" but to focus on the unsung heroes. The black students were very vocal in the discussion, as if they finally felt involved. ALL of them were adding their opinions and experiences to the discussion in a productive way for the first time in a while. It was really cool to see that this was the trigger to make them feel included. The teacher even mentioned that although every culture had made great additions to society we will focus for now on African Americans.
This teacher just really had me excited and renewed my spirit after a select few had brought me down.
Katherine--I'm a Social Worker kid too! I guess I figured I would go into teaching because it's the closest thing to a social worker without actually being a social worker--on call, fixing problems, working overtime--being crazy runs in the family I guess haha but seriously, at the end of the day, I think we're pretty happy people.
ReplyDeleteAwesome article Dr. G. I've actually read some on Moses and his thoughts on algebra by the 8th grade. I'm thrilled about his attempts to get everyone into math--I'm all about that! Go math. Okay there's my nerd moment.
Oh and Kate--I might actually have played with Barbies if they had jobs...maybe. haha I got such a kick out of that! Thanks for sharing. If they make Math teacher Barbie, guy and girl of different races... going in my classroom.
I love the Olympics despite my lack of athletic coordination! Can I just say yay Apollo, not just for matching Bonnie Blair but also being the reason I'm now addicted to Dancing with the Stars. His real accomplishment was that Mirror Ball trophy win...and you think I'm playing around. I've been to the live show... twice.
Also, tonight is good t.v. night, so yes, today is a happy day.
Somebody mentioned Barbie up there in the plethora of blogs posted before me... Being at the international Toy Fair and Expo Barbie, of course, is here. There voting on her new career for the upcoming year - I think she's up to her 110 different career at this point, pretty impressive I'd say.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with Candice about the diversity within the MAT program. When I first entered I thought it would end up being many people that had attended State and decided to stay on for another semester, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that this was not true :) Makes life a whole lot more interesting and exciting.
Also, thanks Dr. G for sharing this past week it was much appreciated and I think helped my understanding of your general ideas and teachings better.
Sorry i wont be in class this week, have a good discussion without me. I'll keep my eyes out of acts of diversity and kindness up here in NYC... one of the most diverse places I know of at this point.
I realize we're getting down to the wire, but I rediscovered Jay Smooth, a NYC vlogger, and really appreciate his take on a lot of the issues we're discussing. He is a pop culture (used to be primarily hip hop) critic. Here are some of the videos he's put up I found especially energizing...
ReplyDeleteon the racism/racist conversation:
http://www.illdoctrine.com/2009/06/allow_me_to_reintroduce_myself.html
on positionality:
http://www.illdoctrine.com/2009/12/in_defense_of_humbug.html
on privilege and class:
http://www.illdoctrine.com/2009/11/the_ordinary_persons_guide_to.html
on white privilege ("racial humility"):
http://www.illdoctrine.com/2009/05/interview_doctrine_rap_materia.html
There are also some very good ones on sexuality, but we may use them for our presentation.
As an aside, Jay Smooth no longer posts to illdoctrine.com (he explains it on the site) and just started posting to nildoctrine.com
one more from the new site...
ReplyDeletehttp://nildoctrine.com/nil/pop-life-and-race-matters/
smart man.
There's literally a million things to be grateful about regarding social justice.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful to be in a class in which everyone feels respected and safe enough to be open about their opinions
I am grateful that people can *listen* and consider opinions that differ from their own
I am impressed to see the enthusiasm many people in our class have in challenging their own view points
I am grateful for such a stellar example of an effective social justice educator as Dr. G.
I am eternally grateful for all of the brave people who stood up all throughout history against oppressive systems - this month in particular, we get the opportunity to hear about all of the civil right's heros - even those who helped us take the baby steps to get to where we are today.
It is humbling to see so many people risking their personal safety and security in the community to challenge those systems and I hope I can convey to my students the power they have in their own lives.
ERIN - I LOVED your quote, that was amazing, thanks for sharing
MICHAEL - about Caribbean countries participating in the winter olympics, I just have one thing to say.. "COOOOOOL RUNNINGS!!"
Dr. G - Loved the Algebra post, I'd love to see examples of their lessons. The students in my field placement were talking about atoms and I could tell the concept was way over their heads - for now. I'd love to see what sort of "Number line field trip" could be used for cell structure or chemistry.
Finally, GO SAINTS!
Hope everyone had a wonderful week. See y'all in class! <3
I have a quick question for you guys: Today I recieved a text from Wolfalert (I thinkt) about a bank robbery at the Hillsbrough SECU (a branch I actually use relatively frequently). The text said the suspect was armed with a handgun, short, male, and dark complexion. In this case does dark complexion mean African-American? Does it mean Hispanic, Indian, or something else? Do you think the ambiguity was to be politically correct or because they were unsure of the suspect's race?
ReplyDeleteI ask because this could have some implications on the reactions of those in the vicinity. It just struck me as a situation where being "PC" could be damaging. BTW I saw Bill Maher this weekend in downtown Raleigh, very funny. He makes a lot of good, if not extremely contraversial points. The show was taped and is airing on HBO, its called Bill Maher... But I'm not wrong.
I really agree with Bill on the Olympics and having pride in a positive way. As I have been watching this past week, its amazing to see how a sporting event can bring countries of such diversity together. The strength and passion each individual has to reach that gold medal is really great to watch. I agree also that it is nice to see countries competing with such peace. I wish this peaceful competition would not just be in the Olympics, but in our everyday lives. Thanks for all the great posts guys. I really enjoy reading them!
ReplyDeleteI, like many of you, am also finding this class and the topics we discuss to be on my mind in everyday life. This weekend I was hanging out with my roommate and a couple of her friends from law school. We somehow got on the topic of race and I shared with them about how priviledge has been on my mind as of late since we have been talking about it in class. They began sharing about their heritage as Native Americans and how they feel like everyone sees the world as black and white, but they see the world as Native and non-Native. I had never considered this before and I found it fascinating. They told me about how people always assume they are white, but they do not consider themselves white and are very proud of their Native American heritage. We talked for almost an hour about there views on priviledge, and it was truly eye opening to hear it from their perspective. I am very grateful to this class for not only teaching me knew ways of viewing the world, but for also sparking many great conversations and learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
ReplyDelete^Controversial.. I need to spell check.
ReplyDelete