The tenor of professional discussion

 

Current Forum: Session 1: Journal Articles Discussion

Date: Tue Aug 31, 2004 8:24 pm

Author: Barney, Katherine <[email protected]>

Subject: Learning Team #1: Session 1 article 2

 

         

Christenbury, L. (2000) Entering the Whirlwind: Editing English Journal, 1994-1998, English Journal 89:3Session 1 - 2nd article.

 

Summary: This article is the reflections of L. Christenbury on her tenure as editor of English Journal 1194-1998. She comments on the controversy she encountered from readers whenever she ran articles that did not agree with their individual belief systems. She also noted that it was not just from people on the extreme right or left, but a variety of all kinds of people. Her position was and is that the English journal is a place for freedom of speech and to present ideas and topics for discourse. Not to completely avoid topics just because someone doesn’t want to see articles of controversy.

 

Connection: I connected to this article in regards to my professional role. I often find colleagues avoiding discussing significant issues due to the narrow mindedness or refusal to discuss topics that do not fit into their comfort zone. I find this frustrating when it causes misunderstandings or lack of empathy towards others, especially students, who are of different cultures or different religious beliefs. I value all opinions to an extent, whether I agree with them or not it helps me to understand them. It also helps me to create a safe learning environment for my students.

 

Discussion:….Many people feel threatened rather than stimulated when discussing issues with people who may not agree with them.

 

Extension: I learn from healthy debate or deep discussions. I encourage my students to see from several points of view and then choose one to support. This can be done with all ages by using age appropriate topics. For example primary students can discuss a variety of ways of how to handle a disagreement and come to a conclusion on which one would benefit all concerned.  

 

 

Current Forum: Session 1: Journal Articles Discussion

Date: Wed Sep 1, 2004 10:39 am

Author: Gentry, Pamela <[email protected]>

Subject: Re: Learning Team #1: Session 1 article 2

 

         

Hi kat - I'm glad you found some time to figure things out. There certainly is a steep learning curve!I apppreciate your comments about encouraging open discourse. I also enjoy actually discussing things with people. I learn from those I disagree with, probably more than I learn from those who have my same opinion. The dialog helps me to be more reflective and honest. What kinds of things are you doing with your young students to encourage them in real discussion?