a title of a book....
22 May 2005
how long?
this is a thought in progress...
I was reading the NY TIMES today, and it is so amazing the number of articles that discuss the miracles and triumphs that "inner-city" students (read Black, African-American, Latino, take your pick) manage despite their surroundings and conditioning.
Is it me or do these writers pre-suppose that to be of colour means that one is born with a genetic predisposition for a "hard knock life?" What is becoming clearer to me, as I grow wiser with age, is the fact that desegragation did not address the real issues of this country; ECONOMICS. With all of the new (old) forms of racism (environmental, financial, et. al.) being adopted, thanks to the right-wing occupation, many people of colour seem to accept the way things are without much complaint. And, when there is a complaint it seems to be just empty, hot air.
I thrive on being the kind of instructor who teaches the WHOLE student. I believe that what is missing from 21st century educational institutions is a building up the idea of self-reliance and interdependence. What happens in today's public school, and even proprietary school rooms is this concept of "entitlement without self-responsibility." Historically, oppressed or disenfranchised peoples existed in the throw-away areas of society. So, these articles don't report anything new, the fact there are "havens" or places that produce successful, healthy individuals is the testament to the human spirit and the desire to want more than what is expected. This is self-responsibility.
These are the success stories of the oppressed and disenfranchised, to overcome inspite of...
I guess for me it is realizing the more things change...the more they stay the same. Thus, how long are we going to continue to accept 2nd, 3rd, sub-class citizenship?
how long?
I was reading the NY TIMES today, and it is so amazing the number of articles that discuss the miracles and triumphs that "inner-city" students (read Black, African-American, Latino, take your pick) manage despite their surroundings and conditioning.
Is it me or do these writers pre-suppose that to be of colour means that one is born with a genetic predisposition for a "hard knock life?" What is becoming clearer to me, as I grow wiser with age, is the fact that desegragation did not address the real issues of this country; ECONOMICS. With all of the new (old) forms of racism (environmental, financial, et. al.) being adopted, thanks to the right-wing occupation, many people of colour seem to accept the way things are without much complaint. And, when there is a complaint it seems to be just empty, hot air.
I thrive on being the kind of instructor who teaches the WHOLE student. I believe that what is missing from 21st century educational institutions is a building up the idea of self-reliance and interdependence. What happens in today's public school, and even proprietary school rooms is this concept of "entitlement without self-responsibility." Historically, oppressed or disenfranchised peoples existed in the throw-away areas of society. So, these articles don't report anything new, the fact there are "havens" or places that produce successful, healthy individuals is the testament to the human spirit and the desire to want more than what is expected. This is self-responsibility.
These are the success stories of the oppressed and disenfranchised, to overcome inspite of...
I guess for me it is realizing the more things change...the more they stay the same. Thus, how long are we going to continue to accept 2nd, 3rd, sub-class citizenship?
how long?
17 May 2005
which r u?
I am growing painfully aware that there are 3 types of people (read "learners") in the U.S.: those who will be managers...those who will be managed...and those who want to be left alone by managers.
I am one of those who wants to be LEFT ALONE. I think I would make a bad manager at times, because I hate to see incompetent people employed for long periods of time. SO, if I discovered I had an incompetent working for me...I would get rid of them on-the-spot. But, then that would be grounds for a possible lawsuit, right?
I am one of those who wants to be LEFT ALONE. I think I would make a bad manager at times, because I hate to see incompetent people employed for long periods of time. SO, if I discovered I had an incompetent working for me...I would get rid of them on-the-spot. But, then that would be grounds for a possible lawsuit, right?
27 January 2005
Educator on education
As an educator, I am often baffled and bewildered by students who feel as though they are owed all of the work of instructors; meaning the instructor should do all of the work, while the student merely sits and absorbs information and knowledge.
As if one could learn by osmosis!
I currently teach adults. And, the funny thing is the adults are no better than the young people I instructed when I was a public school math instructor. Since, they are "customers," they are under the delusion that they are owed something.
Well, in the course I teach, the only thing I will ever owe a student......is a thorough and RIGOROUS educational experience. Like exercise, I believe no pain...No gain!!! Learning is NOT a spectator-sport. Students have to put in the time and the effort. Otherwise, the only thing they will get out of it is wasted time and more WASTED TIME!!!
Learning is I-N-T-E-R-A-C-T-I-V-E!!!!!
As if one could learn by osmosis!
I currently teach adults. And, the funny thing is the adults are no better than the young people I instructed when I was a public school math instructor. Since, they are "customers," they are under the delusion that they are owed something.
Well, in the course I teach, the only thing I will ever owe a student......is a thorough and RIGOROUS educational experience. Like exercise, I believe no pain...No gain!!! Learning is NOT a spectator-sport. Students have to put in the time and the effort. Otherwise, the only thing they will get out of it is wasted time and more WASTED TIME!!!
Learning is I-N-T-E-R-A-C-T-I-V-E!!!!!
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