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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!)
I think it's important to explain to all the students that there are topics we need to learn about that won't always be comfortable. However, they also need to know that just because it may be uncomfortable, doesn't not mean that it should be ignored. This is part of our history, like it or not, and it needs to continue to be taught as something that shaped our country and made us the who we are. Maybe the conversation needs to shift to why the students feel uncomfortable. Students need to also be aware that what we allowed back then would never be allowed today. Why is that? Maybe what we are doing today will be looked at upon in 200 years as embarrassing as when we allowed slavery. These topics should foster questions that will allow students to critically think about what kind of society they want to grow up in. |
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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: I agree with this solution. It opens the class to critical thinking and discussion. |
| Rated On: October 18, 2014 10:42 pm |
| Rated By: puQuZu |
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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
|
| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is original |
Yes
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| Comments: I like this solution, it's a good life lesson for the students to confront something they are uncomfortable with and not avoid it. I also think that talking about their personal feelings and why they feel that why is a good idea. |
| Rated On: October 19, 2014 11:54 pm |
| Rated By: Adam Sanchez |
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