Bridgett Ellis

EDUC 1500

Blog 6:Reflecting on Privilege

What is privilege? What is bias? Privilege is a special right, advantage or available only to a particular person. To be biased is to have a prejudge in favor or against one thing, someone or to compare a group to another.

In today’s world, we experience and undertake in bias or privilege situations in our daily lives. We many not realize this encounters until we come face-to-face with them. I understand that we live in a world, where there are drawbacks but that should limit goals. In the Diggin Deep assignment, where we continue with our daily life, but also, write down experience we have with privilege or bias. This small encounter will help me realize the bias that I have, the opportunity that I receive and the disadvantages that I would happen because of privilege. It a great assignment for anyone to do, to understand where they stand in society.

As an African-American raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota  I know that there will be some disadvantages, I will face because of bias and privilege. I went to schools that were very diverse in cultures, races, and religions. With all the diversity I was surrounded by, schools didn’t really educate student much about bias and privilege, it wasn’t until high school that I learned about it. My high school social studies teacher was the first person in the education system to teach me about privilege and what it mean for me. Something that stood out is how he educated the class on the true, without trying the sugar code it.

In the field of education, we will encounter students of different races, cultures, and religions Everyone has biases and their own belief, but if you carry that into the class it will affect the way students will learn. I understand that every teacher has their own values, that’s what makes each classroom different and it would be difficult to just push them to the side. Instead of prejudging or giving special rights to a particular group, but allow students to create their own values and beliefs. This will help develop skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.

Bridgett Ellis

EDUC 1500

Observation 3

At this time of my observation, I have completed the 15 hours. As I stated, Franklin Middle School is where I do my observation hours. Franklin is a 6-8 grade public school. I’m located it the 6th-grade math class. The reason I choose that area is because when was a student I enjoy math, especially middle school mathematics. In the Observation hours, I get to see how the classrooms are run and learn from the teachers.

The teacher of the math class really tries the relate to her students and make the class more stimulating than a typical math class. A moment that stood out was when one of the students was making noise, moving about and being disturbed during the silent work time. The teacher asks the student to come seat by her. Then, she started a conversation with the student asking him how his day was going, about his class and etc… As they were talking the student was doing his work. That moment stood out to me because the teacher didn’t push the student to the side by telling him to be quite. She interacted with the student and got him to refocus.

Another moment that resonated with me was a discussion I had with the teacher. We were talking about teaching and how to keep that same enthusiasm coming to this profession. She said, “The passion just redirect itself and the moment you start looking at this as just a job instead of a career, is the moment you lose that passion.” I believe that is true because people usually enter teaching for the money, they choose this profession to educate young minds.

As a student, I personally never agree with the standardized testing. I think that student shouldn’t be judged on the way they test because everyone test differently. When the student is testing in class they are allowed to have their notebook and a pencil. Something that is missing to the communication. Group test can be a helpful learning experience. Some students may not work well alone and I think it working in a group is a good way to share ideas with each other.

Bridgett Ellis

EDCU 1500

Observation 2

At this time of my observation, I have completed the ten hours. The observation hours take place in a 6th-grade math class. The educational philosophy, I believe that is being incorporated in the classroom is Realism. The educational goal of Realism is to observe reality regardless of human awareness. Also, to test and verify knowledge through skill demonstration. The teaching design of the class is very structured and informative. The teacher present the material on the smartboard, by explaining the work, showing examples and reviewing. After the lesson, it presented to the student they are usually asked to demonstrate their knowledge through homework or a class active. The teacher also draws from reality and integrate it into the lesson. With this element, the students are able to put their own twist on the assignment.   

Teachers are conducting the classroom and shaping the minds of young students. The teacher has an effective impact on the student's education. She gives helpful feedback to the student and guide them through their work. Something that stood out about the student-teacher is how she interact with each student differently. Some students are shy when it comes to speaking in front of the class and others are more outspoken. Another thing that I acknowledge is how she put them in small groups, so they can work through the problem together.

The physical layout reflects the teaching style of the classroom. The layout also demonstrates the educational philosophy. In the observation class, the students are facing the smartboard and the teacher’s desk is at the front of the class. On the walls there are posters of math examples, times tables and students work. An effective class arrangement is a setup that helps students thrive and perform their best.