Changing+the+World

__Changing the World__
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 "How do students become liberated and knowledgeable in this world?" Well, of course we help them achieve that goal, but how do we help them form the goal or help them see that they //actually can// and are meant to have the goal of being liberated and knowledgeable in the world? I mean, I'm going to Detroit Public, and even in the fifth grade my students are already pledging gangs and they have parents who don't come home at night, so what do you say to that?"

user:AmandaGSpanish After being in an urban setting this year, it is really important to let students know that you understand where they are coming from. maybe you did not go through the same childhood they did, but you understand what they are up against, but just because of their environment is pushing them to do one thing, always promote high expectations to students, let them know they can rise about what they are facing, they don't have to be tied down to what is going on in their neighborhoods. let them know they are capable of more, sometimes they just need to hear that. but again, you can only do so much, especially as a student teacher. I have found sometimes the best thing to do is to be a listening ear and a positive role model for the kids.

"After you've gotten to know your students (as much as you can) and they do something that is just so shocking that seems unbelievably out of their character (negatively), how do you address it and how do you deal with it? How do you deal with it personally? Do you address it with the rest of your students, as well?"

good question and very dependent on the situation. first, go to the student..never assume anything. see what he/she has to say and what they are willing to tell you. if something was done in front of the other students, see what the other students concerns are about the situation and absolutely address it with them, there is not need to keep secrets from students regarding events that happened in front of them. when a student acts out...you cannot take it personally. remember kids have lives outside of school, outbursts can be frustrations from home situations, friend problems, health problems etc. 1207340963

Agreed - always let students explain for themselves rather than assuming. Also, sometimes I wait awhile before addressing these situations. I might say, "You know, I don't even know exactly how to react to that right now, but we'll talk soon." Let students know that you care and that you are shocked...they need to hear that there are adults who know they can do better. Remember that we're all human and we all make mistakes. If necessary, I think it's okay to address the problem with other students if they are directly affected. user:decortem

"We have students who've been suspended for weeks that I've seen only once, maybe twice. How do you help that student?"

i have had students this year suspended for months, weeks, days etc. it is close to impossible to keep up with all the missed assignments. usually what i do is I try to send homework home every week. i let them take their tests at home as well. when they do come into school, i ask if they can stay at lunch or after school for extra help. you can email them as well to keep them updated. at the same time, students need to be help accountable, you can give them the work but that does not mean that they will keep up with it or do it for that matter. i sent home weeks worth of homework and tests for a student and she didn't turn on thing in and failed the card marking. bottom line...give them what they miss, try to be involved and answer questions, but you cannot be at home with the student while their suspended, so do the best you can from the classroom. user:AmandaGSpanish

Most of us became educators because we are passionate about building relationships with young people. Use any interaction you have to be a positive role model to these students. Let them know you are there for them, and if they need you...be there! Give them opportunities to succeed but also to learn...sometimes this means showing "tough love." Make sure this students knows they need to start making better choices, and that there is support for them when they are ready to do so. user:decortem