Monday, May 15, 2006
Out of Control English Class
Dear Guidance Guy,
I am in the 9th grade. My academic English class takes place first period of each day. English has always been one of my best and favourite classes throughout public school. But this year, for the first time, I'm suffering in what's supposed to be my favourite class. I simply don't feel comfortable in this classroom.
The worst thing is about the discussions. There are students in my English class who are driving me crazy. They constantly make very rascist and profane comments about touchy subjects (mental disorders, poverty,drug use, religion, crime); and my teacher doesn't stop them from doing it! "As long as it's their turn to talk, they can express their opinions" is what she says. And I understand and agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But I also think that it is her job to make sure that the discussion doesn't get out of control!
One day last month, what was supposed to be a 10 minute discussion turned into a very heated arguement. Harsh swear words were constantly exchanged. Forty-five minutes later I asked my teacher if she could ask them to calm down. Her response was, "I don't think I should interrupt...they're really going at it. And I don'tthink they're going to calm down any time soon. Sorry." What on earth?! Isn't it her job to monitor these discussions?!
I rarely participate in these any more because the other students often ditch the original topic of discussion and attack me personally (it's fun to pick on theintroverted loser, isn't it?). After having to sit through these, I'm often stressed out and depressed for the rest of the day. My parents are very much against me dropping out of English, since my marks are fine and I'm only in the ninth grade, so that isn't an option. What do you think are some ways I can cope with this having class and being around these people?
Thanks,
Ammy
*****
Dear Ammy,
I'm with you 100%. There is a huge difference between people being entitled to opinions having license to say whatever they want. You are correct in that English class is a place where ideas are supposed to be exchanged and some opinions, while not popular should have a place in the discussion. But the discussion also needs to be framed around whatever the topic of the day is. If the teacher lets the discussion go off in any old direction, the purpose of the lesson is lost.
What's more, teachers are supposed to do more than deliver the lesson. They are also role models of respect, civility and tolerance of other people's opinions. They should be getting people ready for the world beyond high school. If these students engaged in this kind of behavior on their jobs, they'd be fired. As you said, it's her job to monitor the discussions. She's not doing the class any favors by giving up control.
Normally I try and have students handle teacher issues on their own as much as possible. But in this case I don't think you'd get very far. If your parents don't know how you feel, tell them. They should be involved in this one. This should go directly to the principal. This teacher doesn't seem like she has the common sense to recognize her own behavior. And based on what you're telling me, she doesn't have the backbone to stand up to the class.
If your parents aren't willing to speak for you, go to the principal yourself. Be specific about what's happening. The details are important. Not only will you be helping yourself, you'll be doing her present and future students a big favor.
Thanks for a great letter,
The Guidance Guy
I am in the 9th grade. My academic English class takes place first period of each day. English has always been one of my best and favourite classes throughout public school. But this year, for the first time, I'm suffering in what's supposed to be my favourite class. I simply don't feel comfortable in this classroom.
The worst thing is about the discussions. There are students in my English class who are driving me crazy. They constantly make very rascist and profane comments about touchy subjects (mental disorders, poverty,drug use, religion, crime); and my teacher doesn't stop them from doing it! "As long as it's their turn to talk, they can express their opinions" is what she says. And I understand and agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But I also think that it is her job to make sure that the discussion doesn't get out of control!
One day last month, what was supposed to be a 10 minute discussion turned into a very heated arguement. Harsh swear words were constantly exchanged. Forty-five minutes later I asked my teacher if she could ask them to calm down. Her response was, "I don't think I should interrupt...they're really going at it. And I don'tthink they're going to calm down any time soon. Sorry." What on earth?! Isn't it her job to monitor these discussions?!
I rarely participate in these any more because the other students often ditch the original topic of discussion and attack me personally (it's fun to pick on theintroverted loser, isn't it?). After having to sit through these, I'm often stressed out and depressed for the rest of the day. My parents are very much against me dropping out of English, since my marks are fine and I'm only in the ninth grade, so that isn't an option. What do you think are some ways I can cope with this having class and being around these people?
Thanks,
Ammy
*****
Dear Ammy,
I'm with you 100%. There is a huge difference between people being entitled to opinions having license to say whatever they want. You are correct in that English class is a place where ideas are supposed to be exchanged and some opinions, while not popular should have a place in the discussion. But the discussion also needs to be framed around whatever the topic of the day is. If the teacher lets the discussion go off in any old direction, the purpose of the lesson is lost.
What's more, teachers are supposed to do more than deliver the lesson. They are also role models of respect, civility and tolerance of other people's opinions. They should be getting people ready for the world beyond high school. If these students engaged in this kind of behavior on their jobs, they'd be fired. As you said, it's her job to monitor the discussions. She's not doing the class any favors by giving up control.
Normally I try and have students handle teacher issues on their own as much as possible. But in this case I don't think you'd get very far. If your parents don't know how you feel, tell them. They should be involved in this one. This should go directly to the principal. This teacher doesn't seem like she has the common sense to recognize her own behavior. And based on what you're telling me, she doesn't have the backbone to stand up to the class.
If your parents aren't willing to speak for you, go to the principal yourself. Be specific about what's happening. The details are important. Not only will you be helping yourself, you'll be doing her present and future students a big favor.
Thanks for a great letter,
The Guidance Guy
