One of the large upsides of my new school in Brooklyn is that we take time out of our afternoon schedules to form Inquiry Groups that focus on particular topics for set periods of time. The first was by department and focused on what aspects of math instruction we wanted to change and how to do so - it was innovative and exciting to talk with my peers about this topic and we've tried to incorporate more struggling and demanding problems in our classrooms.
The second round began two weeks ago and has since extended into a discussion about racism and our classrooms. As many can see across the country, even corporations are dealing with similar issues (sexism for example), teaching us that even though some think of these things as old-world problems, they are very much in our purview.
The second round began two weeks ago and has since extended into a discussion about racism and our classrooms. As many can see across the country, even corporations are dealing with similar issues (sexism for example), teaching us that even though some think of these things as old-world problems, they are very much in our purview.
We began our inquiry by discussing two articles assigned with regards to race: a chapter from Dr. Beverly Tatum's Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? wherein racism is defined and classified; and a piece on "racial microaggressions" from a May-June 2007 issue of American Psychologist. Each piece brought out more dialog concerning racial tensions - how White men and women might perceive racism to have ended with the Civil Rights movement due to their lack of interaction with it yet Black men and women recognize how it limits their lives. Faculty and staff alike shared moments from their lives, how they teach their children about the outside world as Black, Asian, Latino, and White parents. It has started off well.
One point I brought up was the idea of experience and exposure helping to alleviate some of the issues created by racism. When students react to racial epithets and situations by saying, "It's not that serious" it raises a cause for concern in me. I only wish my students would be able to visit Ghana, Thailand, Morocco, Guatemala, and more so that they can see what it means to be different and how deep down we are all trying to just get by in life. I am very glad for the existence of programs like Global Glimpse, EF Tours, and more that try to help bring students into the world. I urge you to do so with your children as I plan to with mine.
One point I brought up was the idea of experience and exposure helping to alleviate some of the issues created by racism. When students react to racial epithets and situations by saying, "It's not that serious" it raises a cause for concern in me. I only wish my students would be able to visit Ghana, Thailand, Morocco, Guatemala, and more so that they can see what it means to be different and how deep down we are all trying to just get by in life. I am very glad for the existence of programs like Global Glimpse, EF Tours, and more that try to help bring students into the world. I urge you to do so with your children as I plan to with mine.
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