I choose to interview a middle school girl for Reflection 3.11. I wanted to get a perspective as far from my own as I could. I'll admit to putting this assignment off to the last minute and, with the discussion about the differences between adolescent boys and girls in Ed Psych today this idea felt even better to me. I really wanted to get a female adolescent perspective on the influence of teachers. Just to preface her answers, I did NOT expect the answers that I got.
For this reflection, these were "complete the sentence" interview questions:
If I were repeatedly ignored, I would... go up to the teacher after class and talk to him/her.
If I often received praised for mediocre work, I would... feel okay about it still.
If I were constantly reprimanded, although I did nothing wrong, I would... go up to the teacher after class and talk to him/her.
Before I talk about what I learned from this, I have to say. The way the questions were asked they had to be rephrased for the student. She didn't understand when explained and read the statement to her.
So, I was very surprised by the maturity of the responses for the first and last statements. I expected much more internalization and less problem solving. I expected her to express some kind of feelings about how the teacher was treating her and, even with some leading, I couldn't get any more out of her.
I was less surprised about her accepting the praise for mediocre work. She was very hesitant about this response but again, when asked, did not elaborate. I think that, because it was positive feedback, that was better than negative feedback so she didn't really want to mess with what was a better situation than being told she wasn't doing well. Now, I realize that is reading a lot into how she answered and I may be stretching her tone and hesitancy further than I should.
Some interesting answers to your questions. It sounds like this girl has a lot of confidence that many students may not have, as she is willing to go up to teachers and talk with them about her concerns. Either that or she has very approachable teachers! It would have been interesting if she was willing to share a bit more about why she answered the way she did.
ReplyDeleteI found that the first question about being ignored was answered. I was shocked at that age she would have the maturity to confront and talk to the teacher away from others view. I WISH all students would be able to talk to teachers if they had problems in class. I hope that I have the attitude and personality that gives students the confidence and ability to communicate with me.
ReplyDeleteI know that when I was placed in the wrong math class and I was bored in class. I would often ask the teacher when we were doing something else and that I was excited to see what else was in store. When a friend of mine was transferred into a different math class. I thought if she is in the upper level math class so should I. So I asked to be moved. I think since I was constantly having a dialogue with the teacher that is why I received an award for my math abilities at the end of eighth grade. So there are students out there who have the courage to constantly talk to teachers. I would love to see this compared to a male students response.
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