Prompt 6

A theorist, Megan Boler, says that it is a must to “delve into the deeply emotional investments and associations that surround perceptions of difference and ideologies.” I believe in any class this one of the most important things that a teacher must learn to do with her students. Not only does the teacher have to learn how to do this, but she also has to teach her students how to do this as well and explain why it is such an essential tool to have as a active member on a democratic society.
Being that I came into the school year mid way, I missed a lot of the foundation that the teacher had laid for her students in her classroom. Such as how discussions are held, what ideas and prospective will be respected, what will and will not be tolerated. I believe that setting such a foundation in the classroom is vital. The foundation you build in your classroom will also help enhance how you interact with parents and cater to the different linguistic and sociocultural differences. The one element of the teachers foundation that stands out to me the most is the ability to freely discuss any subject without fear of being excluded, made fun of, or criticized . On a daily basis the students have deep discussions that stem from various topics. The safety that the teacher provides in the classroom for her students, really allows them to express themselves freely and critically analyze whatever is on the table.
Establishing such a relationship with the students in the classroom makes it easier for the teacher to express her sensitivity to the linguistic and sociocultural difference amongst her students. I asked the teacher how is it that she makes sure to show these sensitivities. She was able to explicate the importance of discussions in her class room and in what situations might she use this tool.
“Throughout reading or writing any of the stories we encounter in class, I generally take the time to have open discussion about topics, inherent in class books that have a direct relationship to an aspect of a students' life. For example, during our religious studies, we may discuss the religious undertones with which most people were raised with, and we analyze our understanding of those ideas. At first it may seem that this is in fact an insensitive thing to do, as it directly forces most students to challenge their previously held beliefs, but I would argue that in fact, by recognizing the beliefs they already possess, specifically the products of being a member of a particular sociocultural class or of a particular nationality (i.e., most Asians are exposed to Buddhist practices, whereas most Latinos are exposed to Christian based practices). Of course this is not limited to topics of religion, but in fact much more relevant topics are acknowledged and discussed as a class; perspectives on women, masculinity, good vs. evil, homophobia, and much more.”
As I previously mentioned, as feel as if though my teacher has set up the learning environment in her classroom where this is the most effective way that she can demonstrate sensitivity to her students linguistic and socialcultural difference. Other teacher may have different strategies but as a future teacher and current student I feel in both classrooms, not matter what role I play, open discussion seems to be the way to go when dealing with deeply imbedded differences. I should also add that I feel that it becomes a part of social duty as an educator to challenge students’ beliefs and introduce the process of analysis and evaluation at every stage of learning.