What does it mean to be a “good” student?
A “good” student according to the common sense is someone who follows the instruction provided and listens closely. Every teacher dreams of having the “good” students in their classrooms. These “good” students are on time and do not question anything said by the teacher. They do exactly what is expected from the teacher, and the student learns exactly how the curriculum states the child should learn. These students test well and get high grades in whatever they are doing. The student act in a proper way that the school expects of the students, as well the students react good to rules. These “good” students are all perfect and all the same.
Which students are privileged by this definition of the good student?
Those who are “privileged” are the ones who learn best by seeing and listening. The ones who do no have any exceptionalities and fit into this mould. These students are typically from a good/sturdy home where all their needs are being met. Most children will be considered (relatively) good students, but there are a who will not have the opportunity to show they have the abilities to be a good student too.
What is made impossible to see/understand/believe because of these common-sense ideas?
The idea of a “good” student does not account for everyone, the students who don’t fit this category are often looked passed and then struggle with school. These common sense ideas influence everyone, being a “good” student make it possible for only one type of learner to be considered a good student. The secret is no to be a “good” student, but to realize that every student is different and can have their now version of being a “good” student, us as teachers need to modify what we consider a good student.
I really enjoy your point that as teachers we need to modify what we think is a “good” student. This is a very general term and is going to verify from person to person but as a collective it is important to not generalize with this term. I think starting with how we approach that idea with ultimately help break that mould and maybe impact the common sense idealism as a whole.
I really appreciate how you broke down the prompt. I thought it was a really interesting way to look at it, and it made your post very organized and easy to read.
Hey Brooklyn, I agree with your response on which students are privileged. I also mentioned some of the same points as you. The students who are able to be engaged, quiet and respectful throughout class time are those who are considered to be privileged. Great response!