What do you do when a student blurts out something disrespectful and poorly timed at the beginning of class? Today a student came in intent on exhibiting her disregard for authority, and loudly made disrespectful comments to me, that everyone could hear. I responded calmly, but I told her we could talk after class "No, during this class is good. I want to talk now." At this point, I realize, I should have had her leave the class, and I should have waited until she did so, no matter how long it took, before starting the lesson. I needed to send the message that it is not ok to speak to me that way, and I missed that opportunity. Her energy affected the whole classroom though, and behavior was off kilter for the whole period.
But, and as Monica often reminded me last year, even when behavior is imperfect, learning is often still happening.
We watched the clip from season 1 of Downton Abbey in which it is revealed that Gwen, a ladies' maid, has been taking a correspondence course in shorthand, has purchased a type-writer, and intends to leave service to pursue a career as a secretary. Many of the other servants, including her two supervisors Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes, are flabbergasted at her desire to leave her respectable post in a wealthy and well-respected household. "What's wrong with working in service?" demands Ms. O'Brien.
"There's nothing wrong with it. And there's nothing wrong with mending roads neither. It's just not what I want to do." replied Gwen.
We were talking about how society views dreamers, and whether those who want to improve their position are encouraged or reprimanded. Ayah commented on the unwritten rules that govern what's OK, and Michel pointed out that political context plays a role: in capitalist societies "it's all about" getting ahead and going to the next level. Some role plays between people with jobs and people without jobs also pointed out that the economic context influences whether a "better" job is a socially acceptable dream. (Noor surprised me by using the phrase "socially acceptable" before I had written it on the board.)
At the end pairs were given the assignment to write a Twitter post from either Gwen's perspective or that of another servant about the incident, and to attach to it a hashtag. Here are some of the responses:
They think I can't do it #Idc [I don't care]
OMG! I don't have any privacy in this house! they literally went through my stuff!! #upset #free_the_typewriter #Bless_UK #Say_no_to_Mrs. O'Brien
What is up with maids these days, thinking they can "follow their dreams"?! Pathetic isn't it? I hope they can wake up to reality #nevergonnahappen #sorrynotsorry
I can't believe they don't want me to pursue my dreams #rude
I was cleaning downstairs when I heard Gwen's screaming and Gwen NEVER SCREAMS but it turned around that someone took her 'typewriter' whatever that is #you'regoingtoloseyourjob
I'm a Diva #Out of the box
But, and as Monica often reminded me last year, even when behavior is imperfect, learning is often still happening.
We watched the clip from season 1 of Downton Abbey in which it is revealed that Gwen, a ladies' maid, has been taking a correspondence course in shorthand, has purchased a type-writer, and intends to leave service to pursue a career as a secretary. Many of the other servants, including her two supervisors Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes, are flabbergasted at her desire to leave her respectable post in a wealthy and well-respected household. "What's wrong with working in service?" demands Ms. O'Brien.
"There's nothing wrong with it. And there's nothing wrong with mending roads neither. It's just not what I want to do." replied Gwen.
We were talking about how society views dreamers, and whether those who want to improve their position are encouraged or reprimanded. Ayah commented on the unwritten rules that govern what's OK, and Michel pointed out that political context plays a role: in capitalist societies "it's all about" getting ahead and going to the next level. Some role plays between people with jobs and people without jobs also pointed out that the economic context influences whether a "better" job is a socially acceptable dream. (Noor surprised me by using the phrase "socially acceptable" before I had written it on the board.)
At the end pairs were given the assignment to write a Twitter post from either Gwen's perspective or that of another servant about the incident, and to attach to it a hashtag. Here are some of the responses:
They think I can't do it #Idc [I don't care]
OMG! I don't have any privacy in this house! they literally went through my stuff!! #upset #free_the_typewriter #Bless_UK #Say_no_to_Mrs. O'Brien
What is up with maids these days, thinking they can "follow their dreams"?! Pathetic isn't it? I hope they can wake up to reality #nevergonnahappen #sorrynotsorry
I can't believe they don't want me to pursue my dreams #rude
I was cleaning downstairs when I heard Gwen's screaming and Gwen NEVER SCREAMS but it turned around that someone took her 'typewriter' whatever that is #you'regoingtoloseyourjob
I'm a Diva #Out of the box
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