Last week, we looked at hidden curriculum during our sociology of education class. I also watched the movie “Freedom Writers” recently and was amazed at the hidden curriculum demonstrated in the film. What makes this even more powerful is the fact that it is based on true events. The film portrays the story of a teacher, Erin Gruwell, and the students in her classroom who had been labelled as “unteachable,” “below average,” and “delinquents.” It follows their progression from a divided and hostile group to a united and engaged family.
Initially, the students are largely influenced by the hidden curriculum present in the school. It is apparent that, although integration had occurred within the school, this integration was looked upon negatively and met with resistance. The students with different racial backgrounds were treated differently within the school setting and segregation continued. This cycle was perpetuated by the attitude of the students and teachers alike which accepted this inter-racial hatred and considered it part of the way things were and the way things would remain. I was shocked by the attitude and ignorance of some of the individuals.
Attitudes, such as those described above, have immense influence on the student learning and perception. In the story depicted in the film, this was apparent in a number of ways. First, the labels placed on the students that were considered by some to be less desirable became self-fulfilling statements. These students indeed remained “below average” and engaged in “delinquent behaviour” making them seem “unteachable.” This should not be surprising given the attitudes that surrounded them. If there is no effort to reach these students and to affect change, it is unlikely to occur. Second, the students in the “lower” classes were not given appropriate resources. This was based on the attitude of the department head (and other educators within the school) that the resources would be wasted on this group of students. They claimed that books would be damaged or lost and that the students would not be able to learn from them. This restriction not only limited the opportunity for learning but also sent the students a strong message that they were not worth it. How can learning and growth take place in an environment where the students are set up for failure?
In the Freedom Writers, it took the courage, innovation, and hard work of a teacher to initiate and affect change. By connecting with the students, believing in them, and giving them the opportunity to learn and share, this teacher empowered her students. Not only did they begin to learn and develop as individuals, they also began to accept each other and the differences within the classroom and the larger community. This change in attitude led the students to go on to affect change in the school as well as in the community at large. It is important to realize the potential of an individual to affect change and influence others. As teachers, this is monumental and we should remember that our attitudes and actions can have an immense effect on our students and that this effect can ripple out to affect a much larger community. It is amazing how one new idea, one positive outlook, or one simple action can change the lives of so many people. With this in mind, we should ask ourselves what message our attitudes, actions, and ideas convey. What is the hidden curriculum in our classrooms? What is the hidden curriculum in our community?
If you would like to learn more about the Freedom Writers, I would suggest checking out the website of the Freedom Writers Foundation.
Initially, the students are largely influenced by the hidden curriculum present in the school. It is apparent that, although integration had occurred within the school, this integration was looked upon negatively and met with resistance. The students with different racial backgrounds were treated differently within the school setting and segregation continued. This cycle was perpetuated by the attitude of the students and teachers alike which accepted this inter-racial hatred and considered it part of the way things were and the way things would remain. I was shocked by the attitude and ignorance of some of the individuals.
Attitudes, such as those described above, have immense influence on the student learning and perception. In the story depicted in the film, this was apparent in a number of ways. First, the labels placed on the students that were considered by some to be less desirable became self-fulfilling statements. These students indeed remained “below average” and engaged in “delinquent behaviour” making them seem “unteachable.” This should not be surprising given the attitudes that surrounded them. If there is no effort to reach these students and to affect change, it is unlikely to occur. Second, the students in the “lower” classes were not given appropriate resources. This was based on the attitude of the department head (and other educators within the school) that the resources would be wasted on this group of students. They claimed that books would be damaged or lost and that the students would not be able to learn from them. This restriction not only limited the opportunity for learning but also sent the students a strong message that they were not worth it. How can learning and growth take place in an environment where the students are set up for failure?
In the Freedom Writers, it took the courage, innovation, and hard work of a teacher to initiate and affect change. By connecting with the students, believing in them, and giving them the opportunity to learn and share, this teacher empowered her students. Not only did they begin to learn and develop as individuals, they also began to accept each other and the differences within the classroom and the larger community. This change in attitude led the students to go on to affect change in the school as well as in the community at large. It is important to realize the potential of an individual to affect change and influence others. As teachers, this is monumental and we should remember that our attitudes and actions can have an immense effect on our students and that this effect can ripple out to affect a much larger community. It is amazing how one new idea, one positive outlook, or one simple action can change the lives of so many people. With this in mind, we should ask ourselves what message our attitudes, actions, and ideas convey. What is the hidden curriculum in our classrooms? What is the hidden curriculum in our community?
If you would like to learn more about the Freedom Writers, I would suggest checking out the website of the Freedom Writers Foundation.
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