The concept of interpersonal relationships between the teacher and student seems commonly debated among educational professionals. There are many educators who believe in a rigid, traditional classroom in which students must raise their hands to speak, the desks are faced in rows and are facing the teacher who is the "dictator" of the class. This setting sets a certain tone for the type of environment the students will learn in. Then there is the opposite of this, where the teacher sets up the classroom in groups, a semi circle, or some other way and students have open conversations, the teacher may ask them personal questions, and the energy is high and positive. This, I believe is the classroom where the greatest learning occurs because children are able to express themselves and connect with one another as well as the teacher on another level.
In class we discussed with Youth In Action their take on how they structure days. They may have had red days where the speaking is mostly among the adults, or violet days where there is much more open discussion. Corinne's research seemed to me to touch upon this idea of how we can set the tone for learning by our relationships we have with the students. The way we conduct ourselves through our dialogue with students can create a certain environment-whether it is positive or negative. "Holding students quietly seated in classroom rows, may also function to limit dialogue between teacher and students ."
Corinne's research on 'the look' forced me to look into my own experience of my interactions with children. While writing my philosophy on Youth Development I mentioned that my curiosity and enthusiasm for working with youth is what I hope to carry through to my professional life. This is where I portray my own 'look' of helping, listening, and learning every day about young children and wanting to make sure that they are provided positive learning experiences. I can see where in the research there was a struggle of conflict between the teacher role and losses as a researcher. The fact that Corinne was able to put her role as a teacher before her research shows her own dedication to helping youth, even if it was to cost some personal loss.
This video is a reaction a baby had to one of my favorite songs it is so adorable! Talk about a mother child bond!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIsCs9_-LP8
I agree with you 100% where you talk about open classrooms. I do find that I learn the most in classes like this, just like our Ydev class. I have learned more in that class than any other I have taken.
ReplyDeleteI also LOVE that video you posted! I saw it a few weeks ago and can't get over it!
I like how you explained everything short and simple. love the video as well !!
ReplyDeleteI really like your thinking about classroom arrangements and how that changes what and how people learn.
ReplyDeleteI did struggle with the teacher/researcher role. An equal struggle was my coming to understand how my white, feminine, middle class notions of care got in the way of my understanding how the immigrant youth understood care. Relationships are so important in education but for me they have also fraught with tensions and dilemmas. This is a good thing for me I think -- recognizing and working the tensions keeps me growing and learning.
I like how you described the classroom set up setting the tone for the classroom. it makes a lot of sense that if you are set up in individual desks not facing one another you are not encouraged to learn as a group, and share your thoughts with one another. where as if you are sitting in a way that unites everyone students are encouraged to learn from one another.
ReplyDeleteKenz I liked the fact that you focused on "the look." I have a different outlook on what effects "the look" has on youth. I felt as though educators were using the look to influence youth more as a parental figure. I personally disagree. I feel as though an educator needs to draw the line that separates the adult influence and what can be seen as a parental figure. I also was very interested in the positioning of the desks within a classroom. I agree. We have a different atmosphere in our seminar compared to many other classes we have. We have the freedoms and we can see everyone in the classroom. We don't see the back of the heads of classmates but we see their faces and the educators proctoring the class.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you touched upon the idea of building relationships with our youth. I think that is extremely important when helping them in their learning process.Also, I enjoyed how you talked about the differences in setting up a classroom. Environments play a large role in facilitating success in the classroom and realizing which classrooms work best is essential.
ReplyDeleteI think environment is everything also, really paying attention to students opinions and needs is another great way to show we care about them.
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