Comments on: Sometimes Less is More (by Anita Kwiatkowska)

By: Who would do a job like this? | Mike Harrison's Blog

Who would do a job like this? | Mike Harrison's Blog — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:08:59 +0000

[...] Anita Kwiatkowska’s guest post on Teaching Village on opinions in the classroom [...]

By: Nick Jaworski

Nick Jaworski — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:30:27 +0000

With the major limitations on free speech (legal or, more often, simply social) in Turkey compared to other countries this is a very valid point and I’d agree with you. I think perhaps that is a topic for another day and, for those of us in these situations, offline . However, nothing makes me angrier than the limiting of my personal freedoms in the online sphere on top of the daily issues that arise in our everyday lives.

By: Nick Jaworski

Nick Jaworski — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:25:21 +0000

Hmm, valid points. When it comes to derailing a discussion I’ve had instances where I’ve had the same thoughts. Usually my tack is to tell them I’d like to hear the conversation play out and then I’ll give them my opinion as it starts to wind down. This way they get the speaking time and, most likely, once you add your input you might get the topic rolling again.

By: Anita Kwiatkowska

Anita Kwiatkowska — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:15:31 +0000

Karenne,

In that particular situation it made no sense for me to give my opinion for one basic reason: the students were already divided into 2 ‘for’ and ‘against’ groups. If had expressed my ideas I would have automatically joined one team and they would be the ones who ‘won’ the discussion. What would be the point of that?

Obviously, there are situations when we, as teachers should/ have to speak our mind. I remember taking active part in debates about communism, for example, having lived it through myself. Your pregnancy story is yet a better example.

On the other hand, there is an issue of conformism. To cut a long story short, I cannot speak openly about certain issues in my present situation. I cannot even write here why. But if you want to know, don’t hesitate to email me

By: Karenne Sylvester

Karenne Sylvester — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:35:09 +0000

Hmm… I’m with Nick and quite emphatically… except for the kids and Santa thing – no point really.

But with adults as in the example that Anita gave above I think it’s really awful and actually to be frank, dishonest and really quite mean – they wanted an opinion not an soap advertisement.

The line can be skated on finely as in “I’m aware of the health benefits or “I’m not aware of the health benefits and will look into them – it’s an interesting point” – “I personally don’t agree but respect those who do” we all know that many cultures fast so just shirking the issue – you’re in the classroom, you aren’t the textbook.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:04:17 +0000

I think the key words in Anita’s post were “sometimes” and “experienced.” It isn’t always appropriate or necessary to keep our opinions to ourselves, but sometimes it can be the best choice. And, experienced teachers can make the choice.

There are many ways to engage in meaningful communication, even without involving opinions or controversy. Any time we have a purpose in communication (to tell about ourselves, to get information, to play a game, etc.) it’s meaningful.

Most of the time, if my students ask my opinion, I’ll give it. But sometimes, when my honest answer would derail the discussion or switch the focus from my students to me, I’ll remain quiet. It’s the choice I make as an experienced teacher.

By: Nick Jaworski

Nick Jaworski — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:05:30 +0000

Good point Darren, I do tend to always be thinking about adults, but I personally don’t think that changes the situation here. Meaningful communication is meaningful communication with children or adults. If they want to talk to you, then let them.

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:30:23 +0000

Social comments and analytics for this post…

This post was mentioned on Twitter by ShellTerrell: Sometimes Less is More (by Anita Kwiatkowska) http://bit.ly/cu1QJ2 via @barbsaka…

By: darren

darren — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:41:07 +0000

Well, steady on! I am TECHNICALLY old enough. I feel I must point out that I’m still a freshfaced thirty something. But as Barbara says, to the kids we are all ancient….

By: eisensei

eisensei — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:03:40 +0000

Hi Barbara,

Thanks for the comment.

I think you made a very good point about the fair exchange of personal information, and I think it’s worth considering in and out of class. I also appreciate the idea because it’s not about keeping distance per se, but about making sure that everyone is involved fairly in the discussion.

Cheers,
eisensei