Even as a child, I recognized other children who had more than me, as well as those who had less. From a personal standpoint, my socioeconomic status set me apart from the other groups, in part, because we naturally tend to pair up with those we feel are like us. The phrase "birds of a feather flock together" has so much more meaning behind just that simple statement. The information listed on the chart on page 64 of the Parks book is proof of that. What seems complicated to me is how a teacher can motivate students who don't want to be motivated. Or, does everyone, regardless of economic background, desire to do better in life? Aren't there some people who are just satisfied with what they have? Children belonging to those types of parents are trapped, in my opinion. Surely, they don't want to be in that situation. They can see other peers who have more and better things than them.
I didn't realize how hard it might be to relate to those in extreme poverty. Their main focus is just to survive from day to day. It's obvious that a lot of kids come to school only because they are forced to. Having to be in a social setting among people who are not like you can be horrifying, especially when those students feel rejected.
As educators, we have to find ways to help them see the value in learning. We have a chance to make an impact on their lives, in hopes that they won't repeat the same cycle. Knowing that some of the negative behavior that comes from the lower class has to do with the experiences they have at home, we must be understanding and patient. It's hard not to be judgmental, but we have to rise above thinking like our students. We can understand that life is not fair, but that there are those out there who are less fortunate, for whatever reason. Students who are not taught at home about acceptable behavior must be taught at school. Where else with they learn? We may have to spend extra time, or give extra encouragement and rewards to those who honestly struggle with making the right choices for reasons they can't help. On the other hand, we have to hold them accountable for their actions and teach that bad choices will result in bad consequences. That's a lesson that can be taught to all students, not just the lower class. Students from wealthier families must learn how to regard everyone as having worth. They should not be treated any differently than anyone else. I guess it relates back to the chapter on professionalism. We must always remember we are trained to be positive role models and to encourage a love for learning. We must not only be fair with all students, we must be consistent. Stability is the key to mentoring those who don't have it so well at home. We must keep in mind that no matter what happened in the classroom yesterday, today is a chance to start over and be positive.
Tammy -
ReplyDeleteA few meandering thoughts...
I agree that even children tend to come together with those they feel affinity toward. This can limit our life perspectives unfortunately. Each “group” has cultural, social, economic knowledge that others do not have. However, this is why as teachers we can do so much. We can now bring the world to our students - especially now with the Internet.
Motivating students is probably the biggest challenge of teaching young adolescents. I have found in my experience that the three biggest motivators have been showing I care, expecting them to care, and letting them know that they are capable if they make good choices (and helping to guide those choices). You are correct that not all children think they want to do better or can do better in life. All you can do is set the bar and help them up the ladder as they go - sometimes pushing along the way to the best of your ability.
You bring up the issue of “acceptable behavior at school.” This is a very significant issue that can create a lot of conflict, especially for young adolescents who are trying to figure out who they identify with, and who they want to be. Often there is one set of norms at home, and a different set of norms at school. So what is a child to do when you tell them it is inappropriate to do XYZ, but their parents say this behavior is perfectly acceptable? Something to think about...