As a member of a social group that is not well represented at my college, it has been both a blessing and a curse to stand out in the classroom. Professors learn my name quickly, but some of my own actions are exaggerated in the minds of my instructors because of how visible I am. I had a studio professor once during a three-hour class that allowed us 15-minute breaks--once each class period, at any time the individual student chose. It was a night class, so I would use that break to go across the street and get a snack, usually returning in about 10 to 12 minutes. Unfortunately, I would notice signs of the instructor's frustration with me, and other students would tell me that she frequently used whatever moment I chose for my break to give demonstrations and additional instruction, saying things like "Where's Chuck? He's been gone for a half-hour". Whether or not it was the best way to handle the situation, I just stopped taking breaks and avoided luxuries that other students enjoyed so I could stay out of trouble.
I would also have to say that I always make a conscious effort not to discriminate against others, but I have made assumptions about the character or personality of my peers because of what is seen on the surface. This was the case with a fellow student that I attended a weekly field experience with, since in first seeing her I doubted that we could ever share the types of conversations or ideas we did on the way to and from the site.
That situation has taught me to approach people, specifically students, more as individuals and to use certain labels they were given or even their own backgrounds only as clues that lead to who they are, rather than things that sentence them to a fixed potential.
This is really well written. I completely agree that it is challenging to come up with a situation you have been discriminated against because you want to believe it doesn't happen. I had trouble remembering one myself. I'm sorry you have had to give up some luxuries that others have not. It made me sad to read that but I understnad how that would be difficult.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your situation. I think that it is helpful for us as future teachers to see how what we say can really affect our students personally.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you wrote this post. It seems very enlightening. I enjoyed reading your experiences and thoughts. I personally feel bad that the teacher did that to you and basically made you feel as though you couldn't have a break like the rest of the students. Not a good situation at all. As for not judging people, I think that is ideal, but it's so hard not to, sometimes we think we aren't being judgemental when really we constantly are, and we aren't aware of it. Even if it is just small thoughts crossing our minds. That may not always be the case, but I think we aren't as aware of it as it would be expected. It's such a judgmental society anymore, sadly. The worst part of it is, everyone has to go through it, and we can't really put a security blanket around our students, but we can keep on top of stereotypes and obvious judgments. I think you brought up a valid point, in your experience, we shouldn't make students feel guilty or out of place, especially behind their back. What is that teaching the other students, and how does that reflect on you as a teacher? The teacher should address the student if there was an issue. You have a very good head on your shoulders and I envy you for not being judgmental, I wish I hadn't been as judgmental as I was.
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