“Silencing permeates classroom life so primitively as to render irrelevant the lived experiences, passions, concerns, communities, and biographies of low-income, minority students. In the process, the very voices of these students and their communities, which public education claims to enrich, shut down” (Fine, 16).
Upon reading this passage, I felt as though I witnessed a bolt of lightning followed by a deafening Hollywood boom: I was thunderstruck. I would have never imagined that my choice as an educator to redirect somewhat tangential conversation, in order to stay on topic and to keep up with curriculum pacing, could have such a negative impact on my adolescent students. Perhaps I could blame my experience with elementary education, in which staying on topic and asking relevant questions are basic, taught conversation skills. We claim that one of our tasks as teachers is to make learning relevant to our students; but Fine points out that we do just the opposite when we stifle these conversation opportunities.
My thunderstruck feeling melted to despair. Given my white, well-educated background, how will I ever be fully capable of relating to my low-income, minority, at-risk students? How will I ever feel confident and equipped enough to facilitate these conversations? I’m no sociologist, nor am I great at figuring out my own viewpoints! Do I attempt to moderate without expressing my actual opinion? These are all fears that I hope to tackle over the course of this year, if not throughout my career.
Katie, what a wonderful quote you chose. I remember you shared this in class, and it resonated with me then as well. I do agree that some form of order must be kept in classroom conversation–for the sake of proper class etiquette and to remain on task. However, creating conversation, in a safe space like a classroom, is very beneficial. With initial rules of respect set in place and the teacher as the moderator (or a designated student), it allows students to share ideas, question systems, and learn about issues with which they may not be familiar. I witnessed a similar event today in high school which led to an informative discussion and for many students to have their voices heard.
I would not blame yourself (though you probably meant it figuratively) for creating an improper atmosphere for students; the “silencing” Fine speaks of is a purposely led activity to hide reality.