Originally posted by smileyeagle1021
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Teacher's using classrooms to promote their religious views
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Originally posted by smileyeagle1021 View PostIs this even a problem or is it just free speech? If it is just free speech would it be appropriate then for a teacher to push a pro-equality or pro-choice or (insert other controversial position here)?
It sure as shit isn't a "free speech" issue. Teachers are held to a higher standard than a regular douchewaffle on the street. A teacher can't go into a classroom and start spouting off their political, religious, and social views/opinions to their class. For one thing, it's forcing their opinions on a captive audience who may feel that they don't have the right or the opportunity to express their own viewpoints. For another thing, it's using their position of authority to persuade the students to think like them, instead of for themselves. This is especially true for younger kids who are still at the developmental stage where they take anything an adult says as The Truth.
It's annoying when it's blatant like in the linked article, but it also pisses me off when religious views are subtly sprinkled into the classroom. Apparently, Don't Laugh at Me is a very popular book for teaching acceptance of others in the classroom. The problem I have is that it contains that stupid, "GOD CREATED US ALL" message.
I remember looking at the book and listening to the accompanying song, feeling moved and a bit teary-eyed. Then it reached the ing religious message and I just about threw my chair. Way to ruin a perfectly good song/book about acceptance.
Hey, here's a shocker: you can teach acceptance without bringing any sort of deity into it.
I'm of a different opinion when it comes to social issues. I think it's fine to teach acceptance in the classroom, but others would still see that as "forcing opinions on the students." I think the safest route to take would be to only talk about a social issue if the students bring it up themselves. Then, the teacher could hold a class discussion on it and allow everyone to share their opinions and ideas.
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I think that in K-12, teachers should try to be as unbiased as possible but shouldn't have to hide their opinions if asked. In other words, if a student asks their high school biology teacher, "What do you think about creationism vs. evolution?" I don't see any reason that the teacher shouldn't be able to say, "Well, I personally believe in evolution because of X, Y, and Z."
In college....we have a little more freedom. When we talk about government funding for the arts, I will tell the class that I think Gov. Brownback is a fucking idiot for getting rid of the Kansas Arts Commission. I will say that I think Neil LaBute is the most overrated playwright of the past 20 years and a misogynistic asshole. I don't really try to persuade them, and I don't punish those that don't agree with me, but I'm not going to hide my opinions. At some point, kids have to learn that sometimes people disagree with your world view and that's okay.
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A teacher can't go into a classroom and start spouting off their political, religious, and social views/opinions to their class.
And quite frankly if I'm paying for a class I'm there to learn the subject, not be preached at.
I think that in K-12, teachers should try to be as unbiased as possible but shouldn't have to hide their opinions if asked. In other words, if a student asks their high school biology teacher, "What do you think about creationism vs. evolution?" I don't see any reason that the teacher shouldn't be able to say, "Well, I personally believe in evolution because of X, Y, and Z."
I remember one of my teachers being asked "Who are you going to vote for?" for an upcoming election. She explained that she couldn't discuss it* because our parents might be mad if they knew. And this was a private school.
And I still think her answer was the right one to give. Just because we ask doesn't mean it should be answered inside the classroom. I mean to this day, I still don't know if she voted for Reagan, Carter, or Anderson. And that's OK.... cos she's right - I'd probably have told Mom & Dad, "Hey Miss M is voting for _____," like she suggested we would.Last edited by PepperElf; 06-11-2012, 02:21 PM.
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Originally posted by Boozy View PostAnyone who disagrees needs to ask themselves how they'd feel if the cashiers at the local store took to telling them to "Fuck off" instead of "Have a nice day" - and were allowed to keep their jobs.
I seriously am creeped out by the "robot niceness" CSRs are forced to employ in most stores. I would rather they treat me like a human being.
However, enough thread jacking, I think the teacher should be allowed to share her interpretation of history but not forcing it on the others hell even make it a teaching point. It would make History come alive. "How has the perception of history affected the politics and culture of today?"
For example to take a purely religious take on it what if someone in the bible whom the Bible itself never labels a bad or good person is interpreted as having done a good thing and considered a saint instead of a sinner.
Another example if Honestly was considered a bad trait instead of a positive one how would that affect how history is taught?
Etc.
I am not against teaching along ones beliefs if you're including critical thinking. Don't teach the kids what to think but rather teach them how to.Jack Faire
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Originally posted by PepperElf View PostI remember one of my teachers being asked "Who are you going to vote for?" for an upcoming election. She explained that she couldn't discuss it* because our parents might be mad if they knew. And this was a private school.
And I still think her answer was the right one to give. Just because we ask doesn't mean it should be answered inside the classroom. I mean to this day, I still don't know if she voted for Reagan, Carter, or Anderson. And that's OK.... cos she's right - I'd probably have told Mom & Dad, "Hey Miss M is voting for _____," like she suggested we would.
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Originally posted by HYHYBT View PostA 50% drop rate benefits the school: it means people have paid for a class without getting credit, and therefore will have to pay for a replacement."I'm Gar and I'm proud" -slytovhand
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Your system is generous. The above-high-schools I've been in won't refund unless you drop during the drop/add period, which if your class only meets once a week might end before you've even MET the instructor."My in-laws are country people and at night you can hear their distinctive howl."
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Originally posted by Seifer View PostHey, here's a shocker: you can teach acceptance without bringing any sort of deity into it. [/B]
I'm of a different opinion when it comes to social issues. I think it's fine to teach acceptance in the classroom, but others would still see that as "forcing opinions on the students." I think the safest route to take would be to only talk about a social issue if the students bring it up themselves. Then, the teacher could hold a class discussion on it and allow everyone to share their opinions and ideas.
She actually sat down and had a class meeting with the entire class, allowing for them to discuss it and share their concerns. The kids that were away for the meeting were brought up to speed when they returned and were allowed to ask questions.
To clarify, the school I'm learning at is a Waldorf school. (taking more of the methodology aspects, rather than the spiritual aspects into my own teaching)
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Originally posted by PepperElf View Postsomething about how a virgin cannot give birth to a MALE son without having a father etc.
Of course since she appeared wholly female on the outside and was still a virgin, well, there you go. *shrugs*"I take it your health insurance doesn't cover acts of pussy."
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