Blog #8

Literacy with an Attitude

Educating Working-Class Children in Their Own Self-Interest by Patrick J. Finn

Argument: 

    

    I'll begin this argument with a quote from Patrick Finn that I think changes everything: "I was educating these children, not to take charge of their lives, but to take orders." This simple phrase changed everything for me.

    School is the engine of social mobility, but is it truly designed for all of us to thrive? Well, Professor Finn, in his article Literacy with an Attitude, argues that it isn't. He shows us the two divisions between those who have power and those who don't, and how this affects children and education in general. On the one hand, we have domestic education, which is based on "Functional Literacy," essentially training children to be productive and obedient workers, but not to question or transform their reality. On the other hand, there is empowered education, which is based on the concept of "Power Literacy" for upper-class students, where they receive an education that prepares them to lead and make informed decisions. From there, you can see the difference with the other one above. In Chapter Two, Jean Anyon emphasizes that working-class schools are evaluated based on criteria other than critical thinking. This is not a conspiracy but a social inertia that must be broken. The real battle for equity is not only to demand better resources, but also to ensure that everyone has "Literacy with an Attitude," a critical literacy that empowers us to fight for justice and change, not just for a salary. Anyon also clarifies two things that are essential to me in this argument: Working-class children were developing a relationship with the economy, authority, and work that is appropriate preparation for wage labor, a mechanical and routine job. Their capacity for creativity and planning was often ignored or denied, while the dominant theme in middle-class schools was one of possibility.

    Society has indirectly separated education between those with power and those without. Those who are there to be "important" and those who are there to "nod and obey." What is the system really seeking? Equality or inequality disguised as goodwill? Umm. The reality is that they don't want to admit that those who have money or live in a better neighborhood have the opportunity to improve their lives. In contrast, others are relegated to a role in the never-ending cycle of society.

    The teachers' biggest excuse was:  that these children couldn't be taught anything. Their parents don't care about them; they're not interested in them. The best thing we can do for them is keep them busy. The central argument here was that these working-class children didn't have a low IQ; the problem here was that society had given up, and they had plenty of excuses.

    Both Finn and Anyon address this in a real, substantive way, with foundation and evidence.

Question to share:

Is there any solution to this type of functional, or, as I would say, controlled literacy?

Blog: Video Analysis.

 

Teach Us All:

Precious Knowledge: 

Classroom Tour: 

Blog #7

 

What to Look for in a Classroom

By Alfie Kohn

Reflection: 

    It's incredible that as I read the poster, many images and activities flashed through my mind regarding the different classes I've taken throughout my college years. I've transitioned from traditional classes to more unconventional ones. What Kohn explains about the differences between "Good Signs" and "Possible Reasons to Worry" is as important for us to understand as it is for future teachers.

    Ultimately, it is our responsibility to reconsider whether we want to create a classroom environment that fosters active learning or one that promotes obedience and conformity. Following Kohn's ideas, we must look beyond grades and focus on how the classroom community feels and is built. There is a phrase I really liked from his book: "I was treating students like rows of wide-open bird beaks waiting for worms." This example serves as a poignant reminder that teachers often assume what works for one student will work for all, but that is not always the case.

    In this class, I have not only learned to know myself better, but I am also more aware of what social justice is and how it influences schools. It is truly satisfying to know that there are teachers who genuinely strive to help students learn. Before transferring to Ric, I never considered the possibility that teaching could also be fun, rather than just a systematic act with chairs in rows, blank walls, and a single person speaking (the teacher). At Ric, the teachers I've had so far listen to me; if I don't understand, they try to explain it to me in a way that I can understand. Above all, they make the classes more dynamic, making it impossible for me not to love the process.

    I changed careers six months ago because I genuinely enjoy helping people, so I thought the best way to do so was to start from the bottom as a teacher. However, as I examined the school system, it discouraged me because I don't want to simply teach one assignment and then move on to another without taking a moment to reflect. I wanted and want much more. I want students to learn to relate what I give them to everyday life. As a future Spanish teacher, it is my duty to ensure that students understand that learning a second language is not just about grammar; it's more than that; it's the opportunity to explore thousands of cultures and histories.

    Kohn highlights the distinction between making a difference in our classrooms and around our schools, versus continuing the same practices we employed years ago. He wants us to think about whether we want to be routine teachers or teachers who genuinely make a difference. Maybe the district won't let us change the themes we've had for years, and I'm dreaming too much, but small steps make a difference, just like Ms. Bogad does. She teaches us that even the simplest things, such as a card game, have a valuable lesson behind them.

    I've always heard that the government is terrified of children having imaginations because then they'd realize they could do much more than what's already dictated. So, they create a system where we all stand with our heads down, listening to what our teachers have to say without even forming our own opinions, and that's something we need to change.

Connection:

Introduction to Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

Alfie Kohn and Introduction to Culturally Relevant Pedagogy advocate or desire a teaching style more focused on the human person and, of course, on the students. Kohn opposes educational systems that like to explore students' natural drive to learn, often considering them simply as "interchangeable vessels" of information, which is quite interesting in my opinion... In contrast, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy offers a significant way to break away from this mentality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring the diverse cultural backgrounds that each student brings. Here, we see that both ideas go hand in hand.

By fully embracing Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, we can realize Kohn's vision: which is above all about creating schools that not only promote authentic learning, but also support moral growth and awaken intrinsic motivation in students. This foundation is about transforming classrooms into environments where students feel recognized and valued, and that's pretty valuable if you ask me. The connection between teachers is magnificent..

https://www.alfiekohn.org/article/teach-values/

Question to Share:

After reading this author, I have many questions, but the most important one is: What do you think is most important in a classroom: Continuing with the traditional, almost gray system of controlled grading, or building a community where students learn actively and meaningfully?