RE: Applied Delpit?

Eugene Matusov (ematusov who-is-at UDel.Edu)
Mon, 6 Apr 1998 13:34:01 -0400

Hi Mike and everybody--

Mike wrote,
> Hi Eugene--
>
> I am specifically interested in the issues raised by Delpit concerning
> "other people's children" (e.g., different classes, ethnicities, etc.).
> There is always a hidden curriculum, the system could not work any
> other way. But i was specifically asking about those cases where
> teachers and students do not share home cultures, perhaps home languages,
> etc.
>
> Your write, "For me, the primary issue here is the issue of teacher's
> manipulation versus providing sensitive, respectful, and critical
guidance"
>
> I am not sure what you mean here.

By "manipulation" I mean a teaching approach that can be expresses as, "I
want to use your background to force you learn my stuff" (or, in other
words, "sugar coat for bitter medicine"). By "sensitive guidance" I mean
teacher's genuine interest in life of his/her students and in collaboration
with them. Sensitivity does not preclude from misunderstanding (you know
that I highly value misunderstandings). From the latter approach, there is
no difference (in approach but not in its manifestation) in treating "your
people's children" or "other people's children." What do you think?

Eugene
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Eugene Matusov
Willard Hall#206G
Department of Educational Studies
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716
Office: 302-831-1266
Fax: 302-831-4445
email: ematusov who-is-at udel.edu
website: http://www.ematusov.com
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