"We don't believe in politics," a Virginia high school student wrote recently in a prize-winning essay for The Nation. She undoubtedly speaks for many young people (as well as plenty of adults) who feel powerless in a world of overwhelming problems and cynical, often with good reason, about politics and politicians. A teacher who seeks to develop socially responsible citizens will not have an easy time. But turned-off students are not the only challenge. Others may include:
- curricula that provide neither guidance on how to promote socially responsible citizenship nor the time necessary for it
- administrators who may be more concerned with orderly classrooms than with the
substance of the teaching and learning that takes place in them - teachers whose view of citizenship and social responsibility is confined to flag pledges, voting, philanthropy, completing assignments and obedience
- teachers who are fearful about promoting active citizenship (sometimes with good reason)
- parents and community members who think a school's primary function is to get students to memorize facts and score well on tests so they can get into college
- parents and community members who may protest student involvement in controversial public issues
I strongly believe that one of the best ways to start developing social responsibility is with an eye opener experience: internships.
ResponderEliminarPlacing students accordingly to their age in different areas in the city, or barrio and face the reality of others who struggle to survive being honest and harworkers is a good stratigie.
By observing and "living" their reality students ( no matter their age) start wondering about what is going on in the world.
What are your thoughts about this post? The students are often right to by cynical, especially here in Ecuador where it is very difficult to trust public servants, their promises and processes.
ResponderEliminarThe challenges presented above make me realize how important it is to show students how they can make a difference. Unfortunately this is not easy....we are currently facing deepset, complex problems in society, for instance poverty and climate change, which means that positive change will need to come from all actores in society working towards long term solutions that reflect root problems. This reality makes it hard to feel like one is making a difference. We have to learn to celebrate the small successes too!
ResponderEliminarI have a say "angustiemos en orden".
ResponderEliminarI learned that after some experiences with internships. I wanted to change it all but we just can´t.
How about organizing different internships, in different locations. You can ask for specific taks: one will reflect on the impact of the climate change, other could reflect on poverty and social policies, etc., etc.
All of the students could come and talk about that in a class.
We used to have "institutions and society" that was the name of the course. That was the place to talk, disagree and yes, be cynical with ecuadorian policies, authorities.
Hope this helps you find a path to start the changes
My son did an internship in a Casa Cuna, here in Gquil. He could´t believe the number of abandoned babies in it. He also couldn´t understand why somebody could abandon a baby. He was only 14 years old. I still remember the long chats, reflections, discussions, tears, and emotional decissions he made when he was that age. He wouldn´t learned that reality without an internship opportunity that was provided by his high school.
ResponderEliminarHere I go again, internships.
ResponderEliminarMy son learned about babies being abandoned, and the place where they go to: Casas Cunas. Not a happy place either but they are fed and sheltered.
I still remember the tons of questions he brought each day he went there. Also his frustration, tears, discussions, arguments and possible solutions.
He was 15 years old. How did he learned about this social problem and decided to be responsible and never bring an unwanted kid?, in his internship.
Do I need to say more?