All posts by Michelle Hubbard

Slacktivism and The Problem with Millenials

Perspectives & History of Adolescence

We also argue here that understanding adolescence within the life course requires attention to historical context…These socioeconomic variations tend to leave their mark on the life course as well as on the psyche of young people.

(Johnson & Crosnoe & Elder, 2011, p.279)

I found this reading to be the most compelling as I drew connections to the implications of historical perspectives on different generations. Millennials are certainly not considered the ‘Greatest Generation’ and are frequently attacked by older generations and the media. We are the hookup culture, the don’t care culture, the “slacktivists”. However, one major point this reading makes is that historical context can define a generation. Continue reading Slacktivism and The Problem with Millenials →

Teachers: Robots or Humans?

Observing to Learn and Learning to Observe

“Although we may have to teach on Monday, taking the time to reflect and listen, with humility, can and must be part of our ongoing growth as educators and perhaps as human beings”. (Knoester, 2008, p. 155)

This passage stuck out to me the most because I find reflection is often left out of the day to day practices of teachers. From Powerschool, to grades, to advisory, to curriculum mapping, to PD, teachers have a lot of daily responsibilities. Reflection often gets left in the dust, especially as teachers progress in the field. Continue reading Teachers: Robots or Humans? →

“Racism is just an excuse not to try harder”.

Culturally, Linguistically, and Socioeconomically Diverse Adolescents in Urban Contexts: Framing the Conversation

“Why don’t you discuss racism in your class?” This teacher’s response was, “It would demoralize the students, they need a chance to feel positive and optimistic-like they have a chance. Racism is just an excuse to not try harder” (Fine,2003,p.25).

Though I found all the readings this week to be interesting and surprising, my most valuable passage is from “Silencing and Nurturing Voice in an Improbable Context: Urban Adolescents in Public School”. I chose this reading because it contained a teacher mind-set that most contradicts with the “ideal” mind-set. Continue reading “Racism is just an excuse not to try harder”. →