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24 sats \ 8 replies \ @SimpleStacker 7 Jan \ on: Teaching Freedom and Responsibility #14 BTC teacher in Fiat Madland Education
That's really awesome. I admire what you're doing, teaching the students to take responsibility for themselves while also respecting core freedoms.
Unfortunately, no. I teach at the college level and our rooms and class sizes aren't really set up for this kind of activity (just lecture halls with chairs facing the front of the room, plus class sizes of 50+ usually).
Such a shame. These are the types of lectures which keep me going.
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This is so freaking awesome and thank you for taking the time to write n share. I bookmarked this post.
I love this because it shatters my paradigm. I’m so used to framing class norms in terms of rules and consequences/punishment. Hardly treating teenagers as the young men and women they are capable of becoming. But because I’m so fixated in my social context, I don’t know how else I can approach this. Your mental framework of freedoms and responsibilities is empowering and soul-affirming.
I like that everyone sings the constitution because music helps us remember better. I want to get my Chairman and Vice-Chairman to come up with a cheer this year - for similar reasons.
Most importantly, I like that the teacher is not seen as someone infallible. Hell, we make mistakes too. But hey, anyone can make amends. And be lighthearted by playing a game.
I think I will be a kinder teacher today because I read this. Thanks again!
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Yeah... the class size and room design is really limiting in terms of what I can do in a class.
In theory, these students are adults and should be responsible, but the reality is they are not. i'd love to get them to vocalize their own responsibilities as students, as you did.
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What's the average age? And what's the average class size?
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Most are in their early to mid 20s. A handful of older ones returning to college after having worked.
Average class size depends. Lower div is going to be 70ish. Upper div electives usually 30. Upper div core 50.
It is not an elite school. Many first generation college students, many from underprivileged backgrounds, many from families with no one who can help them in their studies, or even navigate the college experience.
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That's way too many ppl to teach properly and making a meaningful impact...
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Haha. Indeed...
You can still make a positive impact, it's just very diluted. You just hope that something you taught will stick with them in the future. But it's really mostly on the students themselves and they get what they put into it.
There are also every year a handful of students with genuine curiosity and talent. With these students you can make a much bigger impact by offering them opportunities and experiences that they wouldn't be able to get outside of a college setting.
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I’m sure you’re making a positive impact. You think very carefully about how to assess your students in a way that incorporates AI and forces them to use their brain cells
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