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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!)
First, we must be clear of the fact that topics such as slavery and the civil rights movement will evoke some sort of emotions (positive and/or negative) in our students regardless of their ethnic cultural background. As educators, it is important that we understand this and seek advice from colleagues regarding their teaching methodologies applied to the delivery of the aforementioned content. Next, it is important that we do not make it a black or white issue while teaching about slavery and the civil rights movement. We should teach from an historical point of view lens where the class as a whole is looking through historical lens at periods in our (stress with emphasis) history that have contributed to the America we experience today. My reasoning behind this is that it might be an easier pill for our students to swallow if they understand that our study of the past is pertinent to our understanding of our present and may very well serve to influence our future; doing it this way would certainly encourage the students to be more accepting of the content being delivered.
Moreover, while I agree with the lecture style and small group approaches, I do not think that they should be "over-killed" or used haphazardly. Also, videos and graphics should be used sparingly and with moderation; for example, the showing of two or three videos or a display of pictures will suffice. I certainly do not think that we need to bombard our students with every video clip and pictures we can find on such topics to ensure that they master the content. In addition, to ensure that we are being fair in our delivery, I think it would be effective for the class to be assigned projects where they would seek out individuals (community or family) they can interview to answer questions they may have about the content. I would even go as far as to challenge each one to locate individuals outside of their ethnic cultural identity. In doing so, I think this would empower our students in regards to them taking the initiative to develop social judgment skills (empathy included). |
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Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is original |
Yes
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| Comments: Great solution! Explaining that students are learning about historical facts which have impacted the nation is the way to go. Your suggestions of changing some of the assignments and encouraging children to discuss these topics with community members is a great idea. Students can get different perspectives from people who experienced the Civil Rights movement.I would ask the student to find out how the people they interview feel their lives were improved/not improved by their experiences. |
| Rated On: September 25, 2014 4:45 pm |
| Rated By: Myzusy |
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Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is original |
Yes
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| Comments: This is a great solution and suggests effective preventative measures for issues like these that occur when topics like this must be discussed. |
| Rated On: February 25, 2015 4:35 am |
| Rated By: uVataS |
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