Monday, November 15, 2010

Critical Pedagogy...giving up?

renounce - to address one's abandonment...

My creative writing class is great. I have a passion for my craft, so, naturally, I thrive in it. There are people in my glass that enjoy writing and are passionate as well. There are others that aren't at all passionate about writing. It's hardening, to say the least. Some of us are discouraged from learning and writing because the room is a mess with meaningless chatter. It gets loud. It gets annoying. I approached one of my teachers and addressed the problem and suggested she just move the students around. Assigning seats would stop the comfort that we find in sitting next to people we talk to all the time. Communication would cease for a while because people are uncomfortable talking with people that don't normally associate with. It sounded like a smart a choice. She said no. Because we are a 12th grade class, she said, we should no better. I said, clearly we don't, seeing how everyone and their mother is talking all at once while we are supposed to be silently writing. She walked away and I sat down. It is now clear that there is a bigger problem.

After she left me she went to one side of the room and helped them produce some poetry. She suggested they read other poets and so on. They talk as much as the kids on the other side of the room. She didn't go to them though. They are more aggressive and more vocal regarding their dislike of our teacher. Perhaps in fear or some act of vindictive fury, she doesn't associate with them. She's given up on them and their education in the class. They will fail and the other side will pass because she has their "respect".

Education needs to change a lot, this much has been clear for some time. Part of it is hiring teachers that will commit to the students, their "customers". I've been told that school is a business...Let's treat it like one. Sooo many teachers would be fired if it was noticed how neglectful they are. The abandonment must end at some point. It must. Also, I'm a strong believer that race and social class affects education. It's a sad truth and it shouldn't be like this, but it does. The evidence is clear. Black and Hispanic youth dropout rates have been gradually increasing since the 70s. Statistics are out there...just look! People in the school system have abandoned youth and their education and it needs to end. Let's start with a discussion. Look up some articles! Google Critical Pedagogy! Send this post EVERYWHERE! Take control of your education and that of your children and friends.
beGolden
Jahmal

1 comment:

  1. Very relevant thoughts. I agree with a lot of what you're saying.

    ReplyDelete