Talking Points #8

Jean Anyon: Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work

Quotes:

1.) " Only three times did the investigator hear a teacher in either working-class school preface a directive with an unsarcastic "please," or "let's" or "would you." Instead, the teachers said, "Shut up," "Shut your mouth," "Open your books," "Throw your gum away-if you want to rot your teeth, do it on your own time." Teachers made every effort to control the movement of the children, and often shouted, "'Why are you out of your seat??!!" If the children got permission to leave the room, they had to take a written pass with the date and time.... "

I feel that teachers should teach the children with respect. If the teacher wants to be respected they need to respect the students as well. I know kids can get out of hand and prove to be too much at times but we should not loose our tempers and disrespect them. I think it is rude to tell them to shut up. As for the passes with the date and time, children like to wander in the hallways so I don't see that as such a bad thing.

2.) "Most lessons are based on the textbook. This does not involve a critical perspective on what is given there. For example, a critical perspective in social studies is perceived as dangerous by these teachers because it may lead to controversial topics; the parents might complain."

I have no issue with making lesson plans that go along with the books. The books are there for the children to use so it is better to use them rather than let them go to waste. I do think that it is okay for teachers to allow students to expand beyond what the books shows. I think it is good for the class to discuss topics and help each other out. It gives the teacher an idea of what the kids already know and what they need to be taught. I do not think they should worry about parents complaining because if questions get inappropriate then the teacher should know when to end the discussion. You have to take risks every now and then and give the children a chance to learn more than what the book calls for.

3.) "Work tasks do not usually request creativity. Serious attention is rarely given in school work on how the children develop or express their own feelings and ideas, either linguistically or in graphic form. On the occasions when creativity or self-expression is requested, it is peripheral to the main activity or it is 'enriched' or 'for fun.'"

I feel art is a VERY important class to have. It is a way of expressing yourself and if children don't have that kind of outlet they may act out in other ways. I also think it is important to have art as part of certain lessons. Although it is a fun activity it also plays an important part in childrens lives and should be seen as such. When I was in elementary school we had a lot of lessons that involved creativity and it was my favorite part of school. By choosing to do things with my own imagination I felt as if I was able to learn a lot more. I feel that teachers should use creativity more often in their lessons.


Comments:

I found this article very easy to read. Although it seemed long it took no time to read through because it was so interesting and kind of shocking. I can't believe how different the school curriculums are simply because of an economic status. Students should be taught everything they are supposed to and not just the 'simple' stuff that will 'get them by' in life. All of these children should be offered the same learning opportunities to help them excel in life and be successful, they should not be taught the bare minimum because that does not prepare them for the world outside of their community. If you teach a student that is in the low schools the bare minimum then he/she will have no chance of succeeding in life and getting out of the low-income lifestyle.