LOL – This title is too much!
This article was very interesting to me. In my 8 years of teaching I have had several students that fall into the category of Asian-American. Each of these students stand out in my mind as being well behaved, hard working, motivated, intelligent, and having high parental support. Wow- amazing how this description fits right into the myth of a “Model Minority”. Before reading this article I definitely thought that this was a positive stereotype for this group; however, after my reading I agree that there is no such thing as a positive stereotype. I have learned that this stereotype not only has negative effects on the Asian-American community, but also on other minorities in the United States. I firmly agree with the article that teachers must strive to overlook stereotypes and truly get to know each and every student on an individual basis. As a teacher, each year I must strive to allow my children to enter school and I must place them all on an equal ‘playing field’. I believe that teachers can make a difference while teaching all types of ethnic groups and that teachers should hold high expectations for all their students. I agree with the article that class does matter and can make a difference in student performances, however, it is my believe that as teachers, we have the ability and responsibility to bridge the gap between low class home environments and our students’ educational outcomes.
2 responses so far ↓
1
nsims2
// Jan 29, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Kim, I agree with you that we must strive to get to know each of our students as individuals. It’s important that we not give into any stereotype, positive or negative. Speaking personally I know it’s easy to give into a stereotype when is a positive one, but we have to look beyond this and teach the child for who they are.
2
nbernard1
// Jan 31, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Kim,
I have had a similar experience as you with my Asian students. Someone once told me that most stereotypes are based on some truth. I think that as teachers where this can be a problem is when people take those stereotypes to be truth and apply it all people. I really like how the article outlined several myths which I think help to explain why people can’t apply stereotypes to all people in a particular group. Your statement about us as teachers bridging the gap between low income home environments and their educational outcomes is one that I still struggle with. As my current school I am seeing just how much class gives students opportunities and privileges that teachers can’t provide for students. I do think that we can help with bridging the gap but I see in so many ways more is needed outside of the influence of teachers.
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