Before I post for this week I want to write about my experience 2 weeks ago at the Teen coalition. I have been meaning to post this for a while now.
I went in on a Tuesday afternoon and the students were busy at first. After a few classmates and I helped them organize some papers, they were free to do whatever they wanted. A senior named Patrick came over to John and I and said he had a question about college. He wanted to know what he should expect when hes in college. It seemed like he was looking for a simple answer but I said wow that's a big question. Looking for a good way to start answering that question I asked him what schools he was interested in. He was trying to choose between Northeastern and Umass Amherst. We talked about the differences between the two school and what he should look into before deciding, like financial aid and his interested major. John brought up a very important part of college life, time management. I was very glad that he brought this point up because if someone talked to me about this before I got to college I may have done things very differently. I really struggled with time management my freshman year and I made sure to explain the negative effects to Patrick. We talked for a while about dining hall food, working out, class work and roommates. I tried to give him examples of my experiences so he could relate. This whole experience just made me think back to when I started college and how little I knew going in. I hope that we helped him by taking to him about college and I think it will make a difference when he gets there. Also, I'm glad he felt comfortable coming to us to ask about this and I hope we will get more questions like this the next time I go.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Lesbian and Gay Adolescents
Anderson's article really openned my eyes to the struggles of homosexual adolescents. Adolescence is a time of development and searching for an identity for everyone. For many it is a time of struggle and emotional turmoil. This article shows how much more complex this times of development is for homosexual adolescents. Because I am not homosexual and did not grow up with anyone close to me going through the process discussed in the article, this is all very new to me. I see that this is the purpose of this course; we will be working with a diverse classroom and may have students going through this discovery process. I find it hard to believe that I could be a good teacher without understanding what these students are going through.
In the article, Anderson indicated the importance of teachers during this difficult time for some students. If teachers ignore the signs and even more important the comments from other students, they can end up doing even more damage. Teachers need to be open and welcoming to all students equally and don't let homosexual students feel left out. In the article Anderson pointed out that some teachers that are homosexual hide it from their students. I think it is important for these teachers to be positive role models and show students that it is acceptable to be homosexual. Teachers that are not homosexual should still feel comfotable supporting groups or organizations within the school that are for homosexual students. Heterosexual teachers need to be role models as well, they can show the heterosexual students that it is important to be supportive to everyone.
The article also mentioned support groups within the community. I think it is very important for students to feel that they have somewhere to go for support out of school as well. Unfortunately the article noted that there are not many options for homosexual adolescents because adult groups do not welcome them and adolescent groups dont really exist. Because the article was written in 2005 I hope that this has changed. I have heard about some groups as well as the Trevor hotline for homosexual adolescents to call for advice. Also many school have created LGBT groups where peers can get together and form friendships and supports. These groups are very important and can help ease the coming out process for many students. I think the overall most important thing to take away from this is that support can make all the difference.
In the article, Anderson indicated the importance of teachers during this difficult time for some students. If teachers ignore the signs and even more important the comments from other students, they can end up doing even more damage. Teachers need to be open and welcoming to all students equally and don't let homosexual students feel left out. In the article Anderson pointed out that some teachers that are homosexual hide it from their students. I think it is important for these teachers to be positive role models and show students that it is acceptable to be homosexual. Teachers that are not homosexual should still feel comfotable supporting groups or organizations within the school that are for homosexual students. Heterosexual teachers need to be role models as well, they can show the heterosexual students that it is important to be supportive to everyone.
The article also mentioned support groups within the community. I think it is very important for students to feel that they have somewhere to go for support out of school as well. Unfortunately the article noted that there are not many options for homosexual adolescents because adult groups do not welcome them and adolescent groups dont really exist. Because the article was written in 2005 I hope that this has changed. I have heard about some groups as well as the Trevor hotline for homosexual adolescents to call for advice. Also many school have created LGBT groups where peers can get together and form friendships and supports. These groups are very important and can help ease the coming out process for many students. I think the overall most important thing to take away from this is that support can make all the difference.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Being "hardcore", a "hardcore wannabe", or "hardcore enough"
This article made me think of my middle school years and the time it was cool or be hard or as we called it, "ghetto". I could definitely relate to the different labels that she described and could think of a person that fit each ideal back then. Now looking back I see how silly it was for people in my school to act that way when we did not live in a tough urban area. I guess that means that everyone was a hardcore wannabe but in reality some students were involved in criminal activity. The criminal activity and wannabe status of some of these students pushed them out of school later on. The author also noted the importance of pushing the students out rather than saying they dropped out. I think the most important aspect of her research is the impact that these labels have on students.
As she noted, the hardcore students are those that are involved in crime and live in rough urban areas. The hardcore wannabes act and dress the same as the hardcore students but they do not live in tough areas. Also, hardcore wannabes act this way to gain popularity while hardcore students act that way to protect themselves on the streets. Lastly, the hardcore enough students live in tough neighborhoods and know how to be hardcore but choose not to act that way in front of other classmates. Hardcore enough students have the ability to protect themselves if need on the streets but only use that when necessary rather than to impress their peers. All of these students have different reasons for acting the way they do but in reality most people treat them all the same. This is where problems arise for these kids, especially in the classroom.
What the author is trying to show with this research is that these ideal-types have an effect on how these students do in school and in the real world. The sad truth is that most teachers and people in society do not know the difference between these types of kids. Most people look at what is on outside, baggy clothes, rough language, and overall gangsta appearance and judge them based on what the media shows about gangstas. They generalize that these students must be involved in criminal behavior. This is definitely an issue in the classroom if the teachers believe the stereotypes they see on tv. These students tend to be left behind and don't get the attention they need in the classroom. One students she interviewed even said this and that was why he was pushed out of school. Articles like this are important for teachers to read so they can understand that if they have faith in the student they may be able to change the students life. What I will take away from reading this is not to discriminate against my students based on their appearance or upbringing. Everyone has a chance to do great in life and with a little motivation these harcore students do as well.
As she noted, the hardcore students are those that are involved in crime and live in rough urban areas. The hardcore wannabes act and dress the same as the hardcore students but they do not live in tough areas. Also, hardcore wannabes act this way to gain popularity while hardcore students act that way to protect themselves on the streets. Lastly, the hardcore enough students live in tough neighborhoods and know how to be hardcore but choose not to act that way in front of other classmates. Hardcore enough students have the ability to protect themselves if need on the streets but only use that when necessary rather than to impress their peers. All of these students have different reasons for acting the way they do but in reality most people treat them all the same. This is where problems arise for these kids, especially in the classroom.
What the author is trying to show with this research is that these ideal-types have an effect on how these students do in school and in the real world. The sad truth is that most teachers and people in society do not know the difference between these types of kids. Most people look at what is on outside, baggy clothes, rough language, and overall gangsta appearance and judge them based on what the media shows about gangstas. They generalize that these students must be involved in criminal behavior. This is definitely an issue in the classroom if the teachers believe the stereotypes they see on tv. These students tend to be left behind and don't get the attention they need in the classroom. One students she interviewed even said this and that was why he was pushed out of school. Articles like this are important for teachers to read so they can understand that if they have faith in the student they may be able to change the students life. What I will take away from reading this is not to discriminate against my students based on their appearance or upbringing. Everyone has a chance to do great in life and with a little motivation these harcore students do as well.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Understanding Student Learning and School Achievement
As I read this chapter it brought me back to everything that was discussed in my Educational Psychology course. My teacher constantly emphasized the importance of building relationships and caring for students. She also ephasized what makes an effective teacher and that included each of Garza's 5 themes discussed in this chapter. I was surprised to see that these aspects came from a study about students responses on their teachers behaviors. As a student I can see how all of these factors would greatly influence students perceptions of their teachers. I think that #4 showed a personal interest in the students well-being inside and outside of the classroom, is something that some teachers struggle with and others feel is not important. I understand that there is a fine line between being friendly with a student and it crossing the line but teachers can care for students without it being out of line. Just showing interest in things the student likes and listening when they need itcan make all the difference. Some teachers are just too busy and don't see the importance in this but it truly does make a difference to the students.
The other part of this chapter that really caught my attention is the idea of zero tolerance. The one statement that really caught me was, "Several studies have pointed out how school disciplinary polies such as zero tolerance have contributed to the astonishing rate at which young people are funneled from classrooms into incarceration" (p.267). I really do agree with this statement because when there is a zero tolerance policy these students are usually kicked out of school but continue to engage in bad behavior. Most do not learn from being kicked out and end up in trouble with the criminal justice system rather than the school at this point. How is this helping the student? Yes it helps the school because it eliminates the problem but it only hurts the student. I understand that whatever the student does that results in them getting kicked out must be very serious but this just shows that this student is either crying for attention or they need serious help they do not need to be pushed aside. Something needs to be implemented to help these students instead.
The other part of this chapter that really caught my attention is the idea of zero tolerance. The one statement that really caught me was, "Several studies have pointed out how school disciplinary polies such as zero tolerance have contributed to the astonishing rate at which young people are funneled from classrooms into incarceration" (p.267). I really do agree with this statement because when there is a zero tolerance policy these students are usually kicked out of school but continue to engage in bad behavior. Most do not learn from being kicked out and end up in trouble with the criminal justice system rather than the school at this point. How is this helping the student? Yes it helps the school because it eliminates the problem but it only hurts the student. I understand that whatever the student does that results in them getting kicked out must be very serious but this just shows that this student is either crying for attention or they need serious help they do not need to be pushed aside. Something needs to be implemented to help these students instead.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The book, Unraveling the "Model Minority" Stereotype definitely openned my eyes to Asian American youth issues that I was unaware of. One thing I'm sure we have all heard before is the stereotype that all Asians are smart and great at math and science. Stereotypes have always bothered me because usually there is little truth behind them. Because I know that I try my best to ignore them but apparently there are people that actually believe these stereotypes. The one quote that stuck out to me in this book was, "Despite the diverse educational realities of Asian American students, too many educators and educational policy makers assume that Asian American students are high-achieving model minorities..." (Lee, pg.15) One would think that educated people would not believe in this stereotype but apparently they do and this is what truely creates issues with these students. I dont think it is fair as a teacher to expect something from a student that they may not be capable of. Clearly as this book indicates, some Asian American and particularly some groups struggle more in school than others. Then how could a teacher possibly suggest that, because a student looks of a particular race they should be at the top of the class? Just saying it sounds crazy but to see that people actually think this way really throws me for a loop. In the end they are just doing more damage than anything else.
As a psychology major I am constantly thinking about the way things can affect someone. Stereotypes like this one, although they may seem positive, actually put more pressure on the student and can create low self-esteem and failure in school. So in the end is something as stupid as a stereotype worth this? As a teacher I would focus on making my students understand the truth behind stereotypes. I heard of an interesting activity that a teacher used in the past. They had each student come up with a stereotype about their race that they do not fit into. I would try something like this in my classroom so students can see how false stereotypes are, then go on to discuss that they will be treated as individual in my classroom and the expectations that I have for them are based on their abilities.
My false stereotypes would be... (since I'm multicultrual I guess I need 2)
Hispanic = Hispanics don't speak english very well or not at all (hmm.. I only speak english)
White = White people are all racist (if that was true I probably wouldn't be here!)
(I found these stereotypes online)
Can anyone else think of false stereotypes for themselves?
As a psychology major I am constantly thinking about the way things can affect someone. Stereotypes like this one, although they may seem positive, actually put more pressure on the student and can create low self-esteem and failure in school. So in the end is something as stupid as a stereotype worth this? As a teacher I would focus on making my students understand the truth behind stereotypes. I heard of an interesting activity that a teacher used in the past. They had each student come up with a stereotype about their race that they do not fit into. I would try something like this in my classroom so students can see how false stereotypes are, then go on to discuss that they will be treated as individual in my classroom and the expectations that I have for them are based on their abilities.
My false stereotypes would be... (since I'm multicultrual I guess I need 2)
Hispanic = Hispanics don't speak english very well or not at all (hmm.. I only speak english)
White = White people are all racist (if that was true I probably wouldn't be here!)
(I found these stereotypes online)
Can anyone else think of false stereotypes for themselves?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Week 2
The book we read this week, Children of Immigration, was very eye openning. The majority of the things I thought about I knew about immigration came from the media. Most of us know that we cannot believe everything we read or see in the media and this book definitely illustrated that. It is important to understand that most immigrants are not illegal because many people do not understand this. This also depends on where you live and your interactions with immigrants in that area. I lived in Arizona for 3 years and immigrants were viewed very differently there than they are here. For one, in Arizona it is rare to hear the word immigrant without illegal in the same sentence. Immigration is a very controversial issue out there due to it being a Mexico border state.
I went to Arizona State and actually did a project on illegal immigrant students while I was there. Interestingly enough, my group found out that there is actually an option on the application for illegal immigrants. Also the president of the University admitted that there are illegal immigrant students and that they are welcome to the University because they are known for getting good grades and boosting the school. He also stated that although they cannot receive financial aid, he helps these students find scholarships so they can afford to attend the University. I was so surprised by all of this at the time but when I read this book it touched on some of this. What I found to be the most surprising in this book is how motivated immigrant children are. We hear so often on the news that these children are involved in crime and drop out of school but this book showed just the opposite. Most of the children they talked to said school is the most important and that they like it and want to succeed. This shows the positive side we normally don't see and I find it refreshing. When I hear these things I understand why my old school would open to accepting these students and helping them achieve their goals that might otherwise not be possible.
One other issue that was discussed in this book that I have seen in the media is that immigrants "steal" jobs from Americans. This is a big area of controversy as they discussed in the book. Personally, I think that immigrants take hard labor jobs that most Americans are not willing to do for such low pay. Also, I believe that if these jobs are not done by immigrants in this country then they will be outsourced as many companys have already. In these cases then people from another country end up doing the work either way. Most people do not think of it that way but that is the reality today in this country. The economists that the book spoke about also felt that it was not a bad thing to have immigrants working in the US. Not all people feel this way and of course their are strong claims on each side of the argument but I feel that this book really tried to point out the positives about immigrants being here and the negativity they suffer. Overall, I liked the book and the stories about the different immigrant children.
I went to Arizona State and actually did a project on illegal immigrant students while I was there. Interestingly enough, my group found out that there is actually an option on the application for illegal immigrants. Also the president of the University admitted that there are illegal immigrant students and that they are welcome to the University because they are known for getting good grades and boosting the school. He also stated that although they cannot receive financial aid, he helps these students find scholarships so they can afford to attend the University. I was so surprised by all of this at the time but when I read this book it touched on some of this. What I found to be the most surprising in this book is how motivated immigrant children are. We hear so often on the news that these children are involved in crime and drop out of school but this book showed just the opposite. Most of the children they talked to said school is the most important and that they like it and want to succeed. This shows the positive side we normally don't see and I find it refreshing. When I hear these things I understand why my old school would open to accepting these students and helping them achieve their goals that might otherwise not be possible.
One other issue that was discussed in this book that I have seen in the media is that immigrants "steal" jobs from Americans. This is a big area of controversy as they discussed in the book. Personally, I think that immigrants take hard labor jobs that most Americans are not willing to do for such low pay. Also, I believe that if these jobs are not done by immigrants in this country then they will be outsourced as many companys have already. In these cases then people from another country end up doing the work either way. Most people do not think of it that way but that is the reality today in this country. The economists that the book spoke about also felt that it was not a bad thing to have immigrants working in the US. Not all people feel this way and of course their are strong claims on each side of the argument but I feel that this book really tried to point out the positives about immigrants being here and the negativity they suffer. Overall, I liked the book and the stories about the different immigrant children.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Hi Everyone!!
So I went to the Lowell Community Health Center Teen Coalition on Thursday for about an hour and a half. First of all I have to say that I had a lot of fun and the kids are great! When I got there the kids were spread out throughout the center doing different things. The kids were working on homework, painting, playing cards, talking and hanging out, playing other games and on computers. I walked around for a little bit and talked to some of them but most were busy with these activites. I wandered into an area where I heard a lot of noise and found them playing the game taboo. One of the teams asked me to join them as soon as I walked in. We played 3 games and it was so much fun. The kids were so into the game, they were yelling, laughing and joking the whole time. Once we finished it was time for dance. I went into the other room to watch the beginning of the dance class until I had to leave. Overall I had a great time and the kids are very welcoming. I am glad that we are required to do this, it's a great experience.
So I went to the Lowell Community Health Center Teen Coalition on Thursday for about an hour and a half. First of all I have to say that I had a lot of fun and the kids are great! When I got there the kids were spread out throughout the center doing different things. The kids were working on homework, painting, playing cards, talking and hanging out, playing other games and on computers. I walked around for a little bit and talked to some of them but most were busy with these activites. I wandered into an area where I heard a lot of noise and found them playing the game taboo. One of the teams asked me to join them as soon as I walked in. We played 3 games and it was so much fun. The kids were so into the game, they were yelling, laughing and joking the whole time. Once we finished it was time for dance. I went into the other room to watch the beginning of the dance class until I had to leave. Overall I had a great time and the kids are very welcoming. I am glad that we are required to do this, it's a great experience.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)