Engagement

This section really focused on the struggle and importance of getting students to open up. I think that having an understanding of student's backround and life outside of school is important because it can explain why a student acts the way he or she does. On page 110. a student tells her teacher that she feels safe in his classroom. She can tell that he cares about what she has to say, so she can let her guard down and apply herself in the class. It is important to create an open and safe environment where students can come with problems. In story 54, a teacher has to deal with a student who has strong feelings about African Americans. She handles it seriously but respectfully. She does not belittle the student but lets him know that he was wrong. Maintaining a respectful attitude toward students is important because it helps them feel safe. In story 48, the teacher learns about a particular student through her journal. I believe that journals are a great way to get students to open up, especially those that are less talkative. This way, teachers can find out what interests that student and what makes he/she tick and this can help them teach.