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.
I see the place for the zero tolerance policy. But I also see the place for discussions with guidance, school police, health educators and other measures before a student is kicked out of a school entirely. So the student can't go to school now, so what is he/she going to do? Go out and continue their bad behavior, only now they can do it between the hours of 8 and 3 as well.
ReplyDeleteI also think that teachers do need to get to know their students, however now that I am in my student teaching I do see how difficult it can be to actually find the time to do that. I see my students once a week. That is it. I've seen my students for over ten weeks now and I'm still having a really hard time with everyone's names, let alone what their interests are! I try to listen, but at the same time there's another class pouring in and when do you find the time to talk to another student. I hope to find the answer to this one day soon.