In-class Discussions and Speech on Campus and Beyond
Due to Hurricane Dorian, our class was not able to meet this week, however we were given articles to read and reflect on that have to do with discussions that happen in the classroom and speeches given on campus.
When you first walk into my FYE class, you will notice that all of the chairs and tables are set up in a circle (more of a square but you get the point) in order to evoke conversations and discussions. It is important that these discussions are not only effective and educational, but also are not making anyone feel singled out or uncomfortable. Sometimes we as students go into discussions with our minds already set and our opinions already made. In the chapter, "I Take Your Point - Entering Classroom Discussions," from the book They Say, I Say, Cathy Berkenstein and Gerald Graff give pointers on how to make the discussions in the classroom effective. They emphasize the importance of not just making comments on your own personal ideas, but to make sure you are responding and commenting on the ideas that other people have.
Articles:
In-class Discussions
When you first walk into my FYE class, you will notice that all of the chairs and tables are set up in a circle (more of a square but you get the point) in order to evoke conversations and discussions. It is important that these discussions are not only effective and educational, but also are not making anyone feel singled out or uncomfortable. Sometimes we as students go into discussions with our minds already set and our opinions already made. In the chapter, "I Take Your Point - Entering Classroom Discussions," from the book They Say, I Say, Cathy Berkenstein and Gerald Graff give pointers on how to make the discussions in the classroom effective. They emphasize the importance of not just making comments on your own personal ideas, but to make sure you are responding and commenting on the ideas that other people have.
Also, I loved the way Scott London put it in his article "The Power of Dialogue," "It's only by reasoning together that they are able to uncover the truths for themselves." Therefore, it is important to not just focus on your personal opinions when you are in a classroom discussion, but to really analyze and consider what other people are saying in the group.
When we are contributing to the conversations in the classroom, it is important that we do not single anyone out or show microaggression. In the article, "What exactly is a microaggression?" by Jenée Desmond-Harris, she states that microaggressions are "when people's biases against a marginalized groups reveal themselves in a way that leaves their victims feeling uncomfortable or insulted." This is very important because many times these comments may be small, but Jenée Desmond-Harris points out that they really do have lasting affects on the individual.
Therefore, students need to be cautious of what they say in the classroom discussions, so that ultimately these discussions are bettering all of the student's education.
Articles: Speech On Campus and Beyond
Freedom of Speech is so important, and it is the core of what makes The United States of America the country that it is today. However, there are so many controversies when it comes to the idea of "Hate Speech" that is seen on college campuses today.
Many argue that campus officials should not allow speakers to give hateful messages on campuses. However, this goes against the first amendment of the United States Constitution. In Erwin Chemerinsky's article, "Hate speech is protected free speech, even on college campuses," he notes that "every effort by the government to regulate hate speech has been declared unconstitutional." He then gives the suggestion that although campus officials can not ban these speeches, they "can regulate when and where speeches can take place." I believe that that is very important. I also personally believe that hate speech should not be totally banned from campus because it is from the same amendment that they Civil Right's Movement and Women's Right flourished from. However, I do believe that universities do need to take precautions whenever student's safety is an issue.
I agree with the point that speech impeding the lines of "hate speech" needs to me monitored carefully, especially if the demonstration could be disruptive towards education or even another group. Universities have to be very careful when dealing with controversial demonstrations and must precariously balance the First Amendment along with the clauses that restrict it ("fighting words", "obscenity", etc).
ReplyDeleteThat being said, join me in exercising our right to free speech and let's protest the amount of homework we got during this "hurrication."
Hi Michelle! I loved reading your article. You really spoke how you feel. I found something really interesting in your blog. In the last paragraph, you wrote "I personally believe that hate speech should not be totally banned from campus because it is from the same amendment that they Civil Right's Movement and Women's Right flourished from. However, I do believe that universities do need to take precautions whenever students's safety is an issue". I will have to disagree with you on this. Hate speech is exclusively stated in the constitution that is not protected by freedom of speech. What precautions do you think universities should take to protect the students targeted?
ReplyDeleteHello Michelle. I really liked your article this week. I loved how you painted a picture of our FYE class and how you discussed how important it is to come into class with an open mindset while also be comfortable enough to share your own beliefs. I also completely agree that Freedom of Speech is very important. I agree that "hate speech" should not be banned, but rather closely monitored. If we were to ban it completely then we would be removing a fundamental right given to us by the Constitution. On the contrary if we just let it happen without any monitoring or consequences then it could leave to a very heated, and sometimes dangerous situation.
ReplyDelete