July 23, 2012
February 24, 2012
Let's Define Literacy
Context: Written for a graduate course, free-write on redefining literacy in American Classrooms.
Pre-read:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/
Read:
There seems to be a reoccurring theme: redefining literature paradigms in the classroom in a global technological /digital shift in a society with shifting power structures. Glen writes, “Whatever texts these readers opt to consume, they ought to be able to read them with a critical eye… to call into question the images meant for admiration and imitation and to refuse to be manipulated by those seeking only to increase the bottom line.”
This is true, whatever text a student reads, they must be able to read it critically. Period. Creating globally engaged citizens through literacy is what I strive for as an educator and teacher. I am passionate about words, their meaning and the manner in which they display culture and power.
Is this too broad of a definition? Can literature really be something/anything that students just read critically? And in a world where objectivity is dead, (and maybe, even, according to Roland Barthes, the author itself See: http://evans-experientialism.
I don’t know yet. And, I believe many scholars in this field do not either. It's a clash of tradition (and the obvious power dynamics that follow) and new practices (and obvious power dynamics that follow). Move forward, out with the old and in with the new-
I keep addressing the same topic in a different lens, literacy in a postmodern, pluralistic age. In this sense, I guess I realize the classroom structure needs to shift, how this shift needs to occur I do not know. We could spend an entire class period speaking of an education system in need of literacy reform. Student’s needs and demographics are more diverse and there is an increasing change in the definition of literacy. In this theory, and to me, when you have a districts (ie-Austin Independent School District) that has one of the lowest retention and high school graduation rates in the nation, there is an obvious problem. And, specifically, in Language Arts and Literacy, the education systems in lower SES schools are not preparing our students and allowing them to reach their full potential. Right now, in America, Dropout rights are higher than they have ever been, testing scores are steadily declining and there is a broad, clear divide in college access. These are big problems. It's a prime example of institutionalized power dynamics and structures very hard at work. You and I, we will have to work within this system.
The question is: why is this happening? And how does this have to do with literacy in a classroom in a broader sense? As future teachers, we need to know what kind of teacher we want to be in a system that, I believe isn’t serving or preparing youth to their fullest potential. In that way, I believe the system is failing.
Taking a step back, in a more specific sense, in redefining the literacy paradigm, and readdressing Glenn, I do believe there are certain texts that contain more of a critical lens. For example, I would push students to read a variety of traditional literature like, Ralph Ellison “Invisible Man”, John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” but I would also try to incorporate graphic novels, like “Maus” (See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
I wouldn't let a student read, let's say, Maxim, or Sports Illustrated for project, solely, even if they understand the ideas critically. I would, however, have them identify the text/image in the advertisements and discuss the idea of marketing , capitalism and "free thought" in that magazine. The same ideas could be discussed with the novel "1984", but the student interacts with this everyday text differently. So, critical thinking can be applied in many facets. Should students read "1984"--or at least, parooz Sparknotes? Absolutely. But, as an introduction, why not get them interested in novels by applying these ideas to everyday literacy. This isn't' going to make us bad teachers. In fact, I argue, this might make us better teachers.
Realistically, students interact with text/image in a way like never before, and the same concepts can be addressed in both traditional novels and graphic novels. As long as the students are learning, understanding and thinking about global issues and come to my class and do work, I will be satisfied. Too liberal? Maybe. Working two years in low SES schools has allowed me to believe in “small victories." If a student comes to class and enjoys reading, and thinks about a larger issue, hey, that's the groundwork for something more. Always have high expectations, but realistic goals.
My worst fear is to be this kind of teacher:
Pre-read:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/
Read:
There seems to be a reoccurring theme: redefining literature paradigms in the classroom in a global technological /digital shift in a society with shifting power structures. Glen writes, “Whatever texts these readers opt to consume, they ought to be able to read them with a critical eye… to call into question the images meant for admiration and imitation and to refuse to be manipulated by those seeking only to increase the bottom line.”
This is true, whatever text a student reads, they must be able to read it critically. Period. Creating globally engaged citizens through literacy is what I strive for as an educator and teacher. I am passionate about words, their meaning and the manner in which they display culture and power.
Is this too broad of a definition? Can literature really be something/anything that students just read critically? And in a world where objectivity is dead, (and maybe, even, according to Roland Barthes, the author itself See: http://evans-experientialism.
I don’t know yet. And, I believe many scholars in this field do not either. It's a clash of tradition (and the obvious power dynamics that follow) and new practices (and obvious power dynamics that follow). Move forward, out with the old and in with the new-
I keep addressing the same topic in a different lens, literacy in a postmodern, pluralistic age. In this sense, I guess I realize the classroom structure needs to shift, how this shift needs to occur I do not know. We could spend an entire class period speaking of an education system in need of literacy reform. Student’s needs and demographics are more diverse and there is an increasing change in the definition of literacy. In this theory, and to me, when you have a districts (ie-Austin Independent School District) that has one of the lowest retention and high school graduation rates in the nation, there is an obvious problem. And, specifically, in Language Arts and Literacy, the education systems in lower SES schools are not preparing our students and allowing them to reach their full potential. Right now, in America, Dropout rights are higher than they have ever been, testing scores are steadily declining and there is a broad, clear divide in college access. These are big problems. It's a prime example of institutionalized power dynamics and structures very hard at work. You and I, we will have to work within this system.
The question is: why is this happening? And how does this have to do with literacy in a classroom in a broader sense? As future teachers, we need to know what kind of teacher we want to be in a system that, I believe isn’t serving or preparing youth to their fullest potential. In that way, I believe the system is failing.
Taking a step back, in a more specific sense, in redefining the literacy paradigm, and readdressing Glenn, I do believe there are certain texts that contain more of a critical lens. For example, I would push students to read a variety of traditional literature like, Ralph Ellison “Invisible Man”, John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” but I would also try to incorporate graphic novels, like “Maus” (See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
I wouldn't let a student read, let's say, Maxim, or Sports Illustrated for project, solely, even if they understand the ideas critically. I would, however, have them identify the text/image in the advertisements and discuss the idea of marketing , capitalism and "free thought" in that magazine. The same ideas could be discussed with the novel "1984", but the student interacts with this everyday text differently. So, critical thinking can be applied in many facets. Should students read "1984"--or at least, parooz Sparknotes? Absolutely. But, as an introduction, why not get them interested in novels by applying these ideas to everyday literacy. This isn't' going to make us bad teachers. In fact, I argue, this might make us better teachers.
Realistically, students interact with text/image in a way like never before, and the same concepts can be addressed in both traditional novels and graphic novels. As long as the students are learning, understanding and thinking about global issues and come to my class and do work, I will be satisfied. Too liberal? Maybe. Working two years in low SES schools has allowed me to believe in “small victories." If a student comes to class and enjoys reading, and thinks about a larger issue, hey, that's the groundwork for something more. Always have high expectations, but realistic goals.
My worst fear is to be this kind of teacher:
February 22, 2012
February 18, 2012
TGIF.
Life has been quite nutty lately, but I am working on this wonderful piece to share about opportunity and intersectionality theory.
So, keep your eyes peeled, between, work, school and living, it might be a hot second.
February 14, 2012
Valentine's Day Special
With Valentine's Day coming up, I thought I'd share some great music inspired by love. Whether you're in love, not in love, jaded, single, in a relationship it doesn't really matter. So much beautiful art is created by the emotion itself. I have never been a big supporter of Valentine's day, but I'd like to take some time to share some great tunes. As Rilke said, "For one human being to love another; that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation."
and, to end it :
This song is so beautiful, honest and raw.
Go love!
February 7, 2012
February 6, 2012
Drake and Lykke Li
At first, I was skeptical... but after listening to this, I was taken aback.
Drake's voice adds just the right amount of edge to the cute, indie-chic style of Lykke Li. And, as much as I don't want to admit it, Drake's "Take Care" was really really well done. These two surprisingly mesh very cohesively together.
February 4, 2012
TWO THINGS.
1- Sasquatch, 2012. I would cry tears of happiness to see Bon Iver... I live in 'the live music capital of the U.S' and I can say that this puts the lineup for ACL last year to horrible shame.
2- This is my life
2- This is my life
February 3, 2012
A Salute: Throwback '05
SALUTE!
To one of the my great albums of '05. I don't care if you judge, personal bias will always take precedent of non-existant objectivity.
This followed me up from high school to freshman year of college. I hadn't played it until today, windows down, humidity seeping through my business attire in bumper to bumper traffic with a car that idles, richter scale 1.5. Life's changed, I've changed, but damnit, this song has remained the same, and that is really beautiful; music's ability to transport you to another time in memory and feeling. Nostalgia be damned, the future is bright and full of unexplored uncertainty, so go ahead and live it, this song on blast, windows down.
To one of the my great albums of '05. I don't care if you judge, personal bias will always take precedent of non-existant objectivity.
This followed me up from high school to freshman year of college. I hadn't played it until today, windows down, humidity seeping through my business attire in bumper to bumper traffic with a car that idles, richter scale 1.5. Life's changed, I've changed, but damnit, this song has remained the same, and that is really beautiful; music's ability to transport you to another time in memory and feeling. Nostalgia be damned, the future is bright and full of unexplored uncertainty, so go ahead and live it, this song on blast, windows down.
February 2, 2012
Washington Proud
Sometimes I really miss being in Washington. Today was one of those days. I was talking about racism and homophobia (Jasper, Texas, 1999-Racist Killing) in East Texas and I realized how much I deeply miss the laid back, rainy attitude, liberal attitude that I came from. That aside-
I am proud to say that Washington is going to legalize same sex marriage. Being so far away, and in a more conservative area, I feel disconnected, but I've never been more proud to call myself a Washingtonian. Go Washington! I am glad my car is still licensed and my drivers license still has your logo. I will be back to you in about a year!
SeattlePi_WA Senate Approves Bill
And, because this video is so fabulous:
For those of you in Washington, be happy that you are in a state that is so progressive. It isn't like this everywhere.
I am proud to say that Washington is going to legalize same sex marriage. Being so far away, and in a more conservative area, I feel disconnected, but I've never been more proud to call myself a Washingtonian. Go Washington! I am glad my car is still licensed and my drivers license still has your logo. I will be back to you in about a year!
SeattlePi_WA Senate Approves Bill
And, because this video is so fabulous:
For those of you in Washington, be happy that you are in a state that is so progressive. It isn't like this everywhere.
Chalk and Talk: Creativity in Literacy-The Ability to Choose
(taken from my weekly class blog: Chalk and Talk [the best blog title I've ever made])
Where do educators draw the line between tradition and new emerging ideas of literacy?
Should we reinvent the idea of liberal arts and literacy?
In this TED speech, (http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/liz_coleman_s_call_to_reinvent_liberal_arts_education.html) Liz Coleman makes the argument that liberal arts education no longer exists in its traditional form and instead, it has become professionalized, losing the True meaning of civic engagement and critical thought. Now, liberal arts education has settled on thought complacency, a sort-of professionalized educational mechanism, with more disparity between disciplines with increased secularism. I argue this new form of education for professionalism and secularism, allows many aspects of enrichment to be lost. Personally, I believe we should not be educated because we need a job, we should be educated because we want to become engaged citizens. A job is a necessity, knowledge is not an privilege and the larger civic questions should not be ignored or disregarded.
100 years earlier, Friedrich Nietzsche, in his book “On The Future of Educational Institutions” http://www.gutenberg.org/files/28146/28146-h/28146-h.htm, wrote,
“Every so-called classical education has only one healthy and natural starting point,
the artistic, serious, and rigorous habituation in the use of the mother tongue. . . .
Here where gradually the distinguishing feeling for form and for barbarism awakes,
the wing bestirs itself for the first time that carries to the right and sole home of education, to Greek antiquity. Of course we would not come very far with the help of
that wing all alone in the attempt to bring ourselves close to that castle of the
Hellenic, infinitely distant and enclosed within diamond ramparts: rather anew we
need the same leaders, the same teachers, our German classics, in order ourselves to
become swept away under the wingbeat of their ancient endeavors – to the land of
longing, to Greece.”
the artistic, serious, and rigorous habituation in the use of the mother tongue. . . .
Here where gradually the distinguishing feeling for form and for barbarism awakes,
the wing bestirs itself for the first time that carries to the right and sole home of education, to Greek antiquity. Of course we would not come very far with the help of
that wing all alone in the attempt to bring ourselves close to that castle of the
Hellenic, infinitely distant and enclosed within diamond ramparts: rather anew we
need the same leaders, the same teachers, our German classics, in order ourselves to
become swept away under the wingbeat of their ancient endeavors – to the land of
longing, to Greece.”
In this book, Nietzsche argues that education should be put above all else- economics, culture, politics, capitalism (and other such major governing bodies). Much like Coleman, he argues that something needs to be reformed or changed within the system. While it might be 100 years difference between the two bodies of work, both related directly to Boomer’s postmodern idea of literacy. How do we as teachers teach literacy effectively? How do we integrate new practices with old tradition? And, take a step back, What does it mean to educate?
You are probably wondering where this all fits in? I keep returning go the idea of a neo-literacy fusion (hypertext, digital literacy integrated with print text) and reforming the curriculum in the classroom. Students need to be engaged in what they are learning.I can study the different ways behind literacy comprehension, how to build readers and try to facilitate an interpretive reading environment, but, none of this matters if the student’s don’t care about what they’re reading. It all seems obsolete.
My question is, how do we as educators recognize the loss of liberal arts education idea- a way in which we no longer emphasize, how to critically assess and become civically engaged and, simultaneously recognize the need to put education at the top of a cultural priority list, while shifting classroom styles to facilitate new literacy practices?
Tina Turner and the High School Experience
In an effort to try and teach students how to understand the layered nature of narrative writing, we focused on a reading about Tina Turner. Watching high school students witness this magnetic performance for the first time literally made my day. Watching students begin to comprehend the ways in which stories can be a reflection of societal issues, life views, and ideas made my week. They went away knowing how to start reading for meaning and they went away with exposure to a timeless song. I feel really good about being a part in knowledge expansion.
Just in case you have never seen this video, or even if you have, it's worth a watch.
Just in case you have never seen this video, or even if you have, it's worth a watch.
February 1, 2012
January 31, 2012
Light, Reflection, Rain and nostalgia
Nostalgia: I miss the days where I didn't have to wake up at 6:30am and teach, go to work, and attend class. I miss napping. I miss being able to paint. I miss sleeping 8 hours a night. I miss the feeling of having nothing to do. I miss irresponsibility.
Reality: I've never been happier. I am spending all my time doing things I love and setting the groundwork for a really fruitful future.
Out with nostalgia and in with reality, 2012.
January 28, 2012
January 25, 2012
The Power of Vulnerability
As I embark officially on my teaching career this week (I am so excited!) I have two things I wish I could show every student to create a type of classroom atmosphere that fits with my style of knowledge sharing:
Always Wear Sunscreen
The Power of Vulnerability-TED talk
The Power of the Human Condition to be vulnerable
Even if you're not in a classroom, learning isn't always about grammar, syntax, language, it's also about creating strong youth to ensure a fruitful future. I am so excited that I get to spend my time (and get paid!) to do this.
I would definitely recommend checking out these two links.
Always Wear Sunscreen
The Power of Vulnerability-TED talk
The Power of the Human Condition to be vulnerable
Even if you're not in a classroom, learning isn't always about grammar, syntax, language, it's also about creating strong youth to ensure a fruitful future. I am so excited that I get to spend my time (and get paid!) to do this.
I would definitely recommend checking out these two links.
absence.
If I am absent from here, check here-
I'm over here!
It's a blog, a scholarly exchange of ideas, an experiment for a course, and I will be working on that site as well.
I'm over here!
It's a blog, a scholarly exchange of ideas, an experiment for a course, and I will be working on that site as well.
January 23, 2012
Freewrite!
One of my new years goals was to start writing more. I have accomplished that, somewhat, in-between new school and a new job in the 22 days that have been 2012.
I'm always afraid to share my writing openly, only because people are such harsh critics, but, with a new dose of self confidence and determination- I give you: Attempt 1.
A poem that was written frantically in the lines on my note taking page, in a classroom that was 85 degrees.
It started out as this:
And turned into this (a work still in progress)
----------
I have three goals this year for my writing:
1. To write a poem that is published
2. To get published on The Thought Catalog.
3. To share what I write more, even if it isn't perfect. (much like the poem I just shared!)
I'm always afraid to share my writing openly, only because people are such harsh critics, but, with a new dose of self confidence and determination- I give you: Attempt 1.
A poem that was written frantically in the lines on my note taking page, in a classroom that was 85 degrees.
It started out as this:
Nostalgia
I am from 4 seasons of lifelong
change, adaptability and fading permanence.
Pinetrees and mountains that gently
brush their fingertips on the skyline.
I am from prophetic working-class
utterances, whispered faintly between conversations,
weaving together hope like the entangled grapevine
that grew slowly and steadily in my old backyard.
And turned into this (a work still in progress)
I am from prophetic working-class
utterances, whispered faintly between conversations,
weaving together hope like the entangled grapevine
that grew slowly and steadily in my old backyard,
between the uneven sidewalk and the sturdy plum trees
(Even so, did you get what you wanted from this life?)
The vines tangled themselves, speaking faintly
of my father’s forgotten dreams as I watched him
pull the lever on the lawnmower, again and again.
I ask myself, “Even so, did you get what you wanted from this life?”
My dreams now, they dance freely between the branches,
growing plums and ripening grapes.
----------
I have three goals this year for my writing:
1. To write a poem that is published
2. To get published on The Thought Catalog.
3. To share what I write more, even if it isn't perfect. (much like the poem I just shared!)
January 3, 2012
Post-Riot Girl.
Not Every Girl is a Riot Girl
There is so much to be said here, but, honestly, as cheesy and cliche as it sounds, I am just going to let the music and visual aid speak for itself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)