Thanks to Dave's post for the inspiration...
I have also thought of myself as a bad student (not so much now, but pretty bad in middle/high school and my first try at college). Much like the student in Kadjer's first chapter, I picked up on things from the kids that had done the reading. I participated once the discussion strayed from the text to generalizations about "life." I actually looked forward to the essay test, because I knew a little bullshit would get me a decent grade. I could tell you the long sordid tale of my schooling, but suffice to day that by the time I was 23 I finally decided I was ready to learn - and ready to work for it.
At this point in my life, I do consider myself a good student. I am motivated by gaining actual knowledge, by having my way of thinking challenged. Again, I feel I have to sing the praises of this class. I am always thinking about this class, the flat world, the classrooms I'm in, the students I've had, what students need, what students want... constant questioning. It sometimes feels overwhelming, but it also feels good.
This brings me to another point (not exactly where I thought I would end up, but not entirely surprising that I got here). I am very disappointed with the other class I am taking. Part of being a good student means taking some responsibility for my learning. Usually I wait until the end of semester teacher evaluations come out, but I'm not sure if I can. As someone who has been in the classroom and who has been through an undergrad teacher-ed program I am really appalled. It makes me sad to think that students are being misinformed and that their time is being wasted. This class could potentially discourage students from pursuing teaching. Personally, I feel like this class is detrimental to my success as a teacher.
Teachers have a lot of power. As Spiderman well knows, "With great power comes great responsibility." Remember that your students are watching you. You are models, and you can do such great things with your power. So, what do you advise? Leave it be. Keep my mouth complacently shut for the next couple of months? Is is "worth it" to try to do something?
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Sarah,
I love that you quote Spiderman! I think this is why I am so nervous about student teaching...I realize what a great responsibility teaching is. I feel that many of the other education majors in the foundations class some of us are taking don't realize this, and that many of my past teachers failed to realize this as well. Teaching, as Chris mentioned in one of his posts awhile back, is incredibly political. What we teach and how we teach it have greater impacts than we may ever understand. Certainly, some of the classes in this program fail to question the status quo and the teachers would be content to see their own political ideology perpetuated in our classrooms. I agree with you; something should be done about this! It really is discouraging to take classes that are so stifling. As I mentioned in Dave's post, I have spoken to the head of the department here, but my concerns seemed dismissed. Perhaps if enough people have the courage to speak about these issues, we will receive more attention and improve our program for future would-be educators.
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