A ‘good’ student according to the commonsense is a student who comes to school ready to learn, open to learning, follows instructions well, is still and not restless, and is quiet. A ‘good’ student is willing to learn and listens to what the teacher tells them is right. Students who grew up with the same values used in their school are privileged by this, as they do not have to conform their values to fit in with the social norm.
There is a significance placed on certain kinds of societal values and behaviors that disadvantages students who do not fit in to this ‘norm’ and who have different values and beliefs. ‘Commonsense’ ideas expect students to leave schools with more knowledge than they entered and to have their previous knowledge corrected, with predetermined ‘right’ answers being taught. This is a very limiting perspective to have as it only considers the beliefs and knowledge of the dominant group in society who makes the curriculum and it does not consider the individual perspectives of students. It does not consider that there can be a multitude of different ‘right’ answers based off of the beliefs and understandings/interpretations of students.
What students experience outside of school effects how they interpret things at school, how they act in social situations. Their family life, culture, and community shape who they are before they get to school. As well, students have different areas of interest that they would prefer to focus on and they may show strengths in these areas compared to others that they are not as interested in.
When we see different ways of learning or are taught to think in a different way than is natural for us, we can feel a sense of “crisis” with unfamiliarity. As Kumashiro notes, “Learning that the ways we have come to make sense of the world does not always work can be disorienting, which helps to explain the signs of frustration, confusion, and anxiety among so many of our students” (Kumashiro, 31). When we allow students to work through this rather than continuing to push ideas on to them, they can learn more. Students can react to this “crisis” by resisting change and new information, so it is important to allow them (and help them) to work through their thoughts with a critical mind. This helps them to look at things with a critical eye instead of accepting societal norms that may support oppression and discrimination.
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Hi Kathryn!
I really appreciated your view on Kumashiro’s views. I was wondering what do you believe to be the strongest characteristic difference between a “bad student’ and a student that is trying to further develop their education by questioning what they are being taught. How would you as a teacher handle a student that is questioning your lesson plan that you spent awhile on for a reading assignment that is going to last a few weeks. The student is not trying to be disrespectful in anyway they just have another perspective to add.
Hi Jessica,
I do not believe there is such thing as a “bad student”, but the teaching strategies and curriculum we use can often disadvantage students who do not fit the common sense view of a good student. That is why I think it is important to view each student as an individual with potential, and to find ways to help that student succeed. Each student will have different skills and abilities, as well as different supports they would benefit from having in place, so getting to know the needs of our students (as well as getting to know our students and their interests) is crucial to engaging them in the classroom.
I would welcome a student that questions my lesson plans, and explain my reasoning behind my decisions while also keeping an open mind to their perspective. I think we always have more to learn, and our students can teach us as well by offering a new perspective.
Everyone loves it when individuals come together and share ideas. Great site, continue the good work!
There’s definately a great deal to find out about this issue. I like all of the points you’ve made.
Hi, the Good vs. Bad: Is there such thing as a `bad student?
article it is well written, it’s very informative.
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