Wokeness

 I like Twitter but I really don't like how mean people are on it.  

I was raised to be polite and not upset other people.  Clearly, not everyone had that upbringing.

In my Spanish classes I'm responsible for addressing culture.  We identify customs, values and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries and compare and contrast them with our own.

I love the "bigness" of this.

If a student is "super woke" he/she can compare and contrast in a way that suits him/her.  If a student isn't "so woke" he/she can also compare and contrast in his/her own way.

My students in my 1411 classes do a mural project.  They research and find a mural created by a Hispanic artist.  They find the artist's intention.  Here's the magic:  they evaluate if the artist achieved his/her intention.  I'm always so pleased with the critical thinking skills of my students with this project.

In class Tuesday I showed a sampling of student projects and we discussed them.  The discussion was great.

With an OER I feel the freedom to make changes each semester, especially in regards to culture.  I love that students bring in what is really important to them.

One student created a project featuring a mural that was a strong statement against deportation.  I showed the mural to the class and there was silence.  That's a divisive topic.  I've found that controversial subjects are often faced with silence by my students.  

As someone who is very comfortable sharing my thoughts and opinions with anyone and everyone around me, I don't like the silence.  However, I've learned that these students have been in school cultures where many times they weren't encouraged to discuss difficult topics.  Many want to just not bring attention to themselves.  I use a soft touch when we address these kinds of topics because I want them to learn how to share opinions and discuss respectfully.

I encourage them to talk to their partner about x and then y.  I then open it to the group to share but I don't push.  

It's my job to expose students the the cultures around the world but not to make them agree or disagree.  They get to choose that.  I'm broadening their perspective.  What they do with what they see is their choice.

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