For my I-search project, I am hoping to examine the ways that students use writing as community engagement. This question is so vital to me because I am really passionate about schools being community centers. I believe that interdependent communities have the power to continuously build themselves, and that interdependence is directly tied to community groups being interconnected. This project is guided by a big question I have that transcends this project, how can my classroom practices prepare students to work with their communities?
Lately I find myself being exposed to different high school student organizations who are doing some impressive work within their communities (Youth in Action, Providence Student Union). Something I perceive them having in common is they are using writing in their endeavors. For example, I’ve seen pieces of student writing be used to inform community members about local issues, or to organize workshops for pre-service teachers. I am dying to learn more about their writing practices and to figure how I can incorporate these practices into my classrooms. I’d also like to point out it’s really important to me to give them the credit they deserve, I see a tendency in adults and teachers to take credit for the work done by folks under 18. Finding a way to interact with these students in spaces that belong to them without asserting my power as an adult is really important to me, too.
I would also like to mention that part of my desire to bring these practices into my classroom is that I think they were lacking in my education. In my own experience, a lack of these practices produces students who feel cynical about making change happen, and a sense of powerlessness. Only as I have begun to interact with the Providence Public Schools, Americorps, and other community organizations, have I begun to develop a sense of my own socio-cultural positioning, and an awareness of the systems I live in. With this awareness has come this wonderful feeling, “Oh. I know how things work, maybe I could affect them.”
Since writing is so closely tied to thinking, how is writing used not only to directly reach out to communities, but to reflect on these experiences and develop a student’s understanding of how a community works?
Colleen,
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued to read about your idea of exploring how students use writing as community engagement. This is something I have never considered before but I will be very curious to hear about what you learn on this topic. I agree with how you mention that as a student you felt powerless in the sense that you did not feel that you as an individual could help make change happen. I feel the same way, and it really is a shame that many students do not feel that they have a say in the world they live in. I couldn't help but relate this to my parents who were active protesters. My father always tells the stories of how he use to protest against war and the building of nuclear power plants. When hearing this, I always think to myself, "That is a waste of time, I am only one person and I have no power to stop what is happening in the world." If everyone thinks the way I have, then we truly will not have any power, which is why I applaud you for trying to make change, and trying to implement this in your students. Also, I enjoyed your video and I loved how you added your cat, which just makes the video that much greater.
Thanks for sharing about your folks, and your thoughts about your own power!! I'm getting really into the ways voices are actually heard in this country/state/community and I feel so late to the game! Some of these student groups are really inspirational to me and I look forward to learning from them.
DeleteColleen, just by reading this I can see that you'Il be the kind of teacher that inspires. I loved the part in which you wrote: "I see a tendency in adults and teachers to take credit for the work done by folks under 18. Finding a way to interact with these students in spaces that belong to them without asserting my power as an adult is really important to me, to." This is really refreshing because it actually shows that you care about your future students, and don't expect to enter your classroom as the "all knowing teacher". I think with your I-Search project you'll only gain more insight on how to build a comfortable environment with your students which you already have great insight on.
ReplyDeleteColleen, Your design flows very well. I identify with the "impressive work" you have seen in schools. I too have seen it, and I hope to work in such a setting. The specific schools I've seen it in are Paul Cuffee Schools, Blackstone Academy Charter School, and Birchwood Middle School. Good luck with your research! Thanks, Cindy
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