In reading about the SITE model, which examines the importance and interconnectedness of our students' sociocultural, informational, technical, and educational makeups, it reinforces the idea that educators certainly have our work cut out for us. We need to treat our students as a whole, taking into account where they are and where they come from, in order to best design lessons that address their needs. Doing that for each student, in each class, each period, each day seems impossible. However, rather than focus on that, I'll focus on the sociocultural aspect. One of my biggest frustrations around teaching stems from trying to fight against my students' upbringing. Many, if not most, come from families who have little to no involvement in their children's academic progress, be it due to language issues, time constraints, or simply not placing a value on education. Although I continue to put forth my best effort to motivate and encourage my students, if they don't sense that it is a team effort, wherein parents are involved and communicating with their kids about school, students who aren't engaged seem to perform worse than those whose families at least encourage that dialogue. It's disheartening to attend SST and other parent meetings to discuss F grades quarter after quarter, only to have parents nod along as if there is nothing they can do. Few take the time to look at their child's homework planner, let alone ask to see the completed assignments that match what was assigned. Instead, they allow their children to say "We don't have homework" and leave it at that, no questions asked. When I ask why my students seem to lack that natural, innate curiosity and ability to ask questions, it seems that the answer could be tied to the fact that no one at home does either.
2 Comments
Pedro
3/13/2016 06:03:37 pm
Kirstin, getting parents involved is so important, it is a partnership, sometimes parents don't know how to support their children, therefore; we need to educate them as well, in how they can do it. Regarding the SITE model, we do need to understand where are students come from that way we can serve them better and our community. Thank you.
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Kirsten I can commiserate in your frustration with regards to parent involvement. It is really sad and like you said there are a number of reasons for this. Language and cultural barriers seem to be one of the primary reasons parents may not be involved at my school and then to add there is a technology aspect. At my school students access most of their homework/agendas/grade book via the internet. As my district and school moves to more relying more on technology I think there should be trainings for parents and/or a workshop on the available academic supports provided by the school in Spanish and English. Parent and at home support is vital but if parents don't have the know how then students will continue to get away with the "I don't have any homework." Thanks for sharing.
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Kirstin
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