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Case: Why Should I Listen? As part of my 7th grade Social Studies curriculum, I have to talk about slavery, the civil rights movement, etc. The topic ultimately leads to a discussion of how Whites oppressed Blacks. I try to present these topics in a way that does not suggest any guilt. This year, one of my students had a very bad reaction. When we were talking about the civil rights, John, one of my well-behaved but opinionated students, got up and said that he did not want to listen to this lesson anymore, because all we did was to demonize the White people. Three other students openly agreed with him saying that these topics made them angry. I have to cover these topics because they are a part of my curriculum. Also, I believe in the importance teaching children about these inequalities. However, it seems like the way I teach, which is mainly based on lectures and small group work, is making my White students uncomfortable. What should I do to make sure that my White students do not feel offended by these topics? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) Slavery and the Civil Rights movement is always a sticky topic. Even now, in my college courses, I feel people are afraid to say the wrong thing and upset someone. I think a good way to present these lessons to the class is through group discussion. It is important to remember that everyone in the class is an equal and has feelings but at the same time it is important we learn about the history of our nation. If these topics are presented as a group discussion I think it gives students more of an opportunity to share about their feelings in a positive way. |
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