Saturday, September 8, 2012
The Question: Am I at Fault?
I've been thinking about all that we have been learning as a class and couldn't help but turn the focus on me. Yes, that sounds conceited but it is not what I mean. We have been spending all this time looking at the English language and pointing out the differences and challenges that lie before us as a teacher. What if I look at myself though? What are the assumptions and expectations I am going to have of my students? Is it possible to expect too much of them? Is it possible to place too much of a "proper English" burden on my students so much to the point that they will not want to learn or try to speak up? Will they be intimidated to speak this classroom English and not want to learn? I want my students to be able to grasp and appreciate the diversity of English and even the world as a result of my English class. I just don't want to have unrealistic expectations of my students. I certainly do not want to be at fault of that.
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Hi Jourdan,
ReplyDeleteI haven't been feeling well all week and had to go to Billings for a doctor’s appointment so I haven't been in class. I didn't want you guys to think I had abandoned our group! I didn't have phone numbers but thought of this. I'll be back in Bozeman this weekend. Text or Call me at 4066989608 and let me know what's up!
Thanks,
Lauren Favero
Jourdan, you'll figure all this out, but having high expectations of your students is a pretty good place to start. When I taught in Indonesia, I experienced students who were scared to speak up because they weren't comfortable with their language, and we had to work through that a lot. I would say that if you want to avoid that, listen to what your students say more than how they say it - there are times, as in final papers, for example, where standard English is important, but it doesn't have to be every moment of a class!
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