We categorize for the sake of argument, clarity, and for the ease of thinking, but sometimes our categories cause problems and keep us from seeing the students before us.
Galley, p. 92
I think this quote can be relevant to us as teachers. If we know a student has an IEP, for example, we tend to subconsciously think that that student is less capable of achievement than the other students. We do not mean to do it; it is just something that happens without thinking. But even besides IEP students, we have certain stereotypes engraved in our minds. We know the stereotypes that Asians tend to be good at math, that girls tend to be quiet and respectful, and that boys tend to be rowdy and obnoxious. This does not mean that all Asians are good at math, that all girls are quiet and respectful, or that all boys are rowdy and obnoxious. It is a shame that if a student is not performing well, we first tend to think that it is due to one of these stereotypes rather than due to anything else, like a disability the student could have.
Hi Juliana,
I definitely agree and think its extremely important to not fall into the common trap of believing stereotypes. As you mentioned, without even realizing it, this can happen. I wonder if these assumptions that we subconsciously hold can possibly come out during the grading process for students. I think this also ties back into the idea of viewing students as “whole human beings” instead of viewing them by their deficits. As future educators we should always make the effort to step back in order to break through any assumptions.