I found it interesting that many students find it uncomfortable to be singled out for praise as well as criticism. Some teens, especially in the inner city, tend to get angry at those who enjoy school and are successful. There is a real social backlash against those who want to learn. Even within their own family there is often resentment and abuse if a student gets notions of success above their 'station'.
This is a sad state of affairs. In a country where we have the opportunity to be anything we want to be if we want to work hard enough at it, to have so many children give up on that hope in order to be accepted by their peers is heartbreaking. Even in a rural school like here in Farmington, there is a social backlash for students that are too eager to learn. A football player can brag about his performance at the game last night, but a good student can't brag about getting an A on their paper. Many students hide their good grades so the others won't see. Changing this dynamic in even one classroom could change the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment