Block Chapter 2 & 3

BLOCK CHAPTERS 2 & 3

Anna Friars and Victoria Neil

9.21.09

PROBLEMS AND POSSIBILITIES How can we solve problems without specifically pointing them out or being negative? Is there a way to accomplish any kind of agenda in a community without using problem solving? Block places problem solving in a category with fear and retribution. Do you think this is appropriate? Is a sense of possibility, coupled with generosity enough to facilitate the needed change?

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IN CHAPTER 3 BLOCK ARTICULATED THAT ‘FEAR SELLS’.  WHY MIGHT IT BE THAT FEAR BECOMES SOMETHING WE ‘CONSUME’ EVERY DAY?

•Do you think the marketing of fear contributes to our stereotypical perceptions of others?

•Do you think the commercialization of suffering is simply for the sake of profit?

•How do you think the issue of fear, the media, and political agenda translate into the classroom?

•Think about different national news stations and their various political affiliations, and the impact that has on education today.

•How do you think this would effect your role as a teacher in a public, private, or prep school?

LARGE VS. SMALL GROUPSFROM BLOCK’S PERSPECTIVE:

Large Cannot be an

individual Needs will be

swallowed up Intimidated into

opinions The ability to

change the world Reduces power of

the citizens

Small

•Value our uniqueness•Gives citizens power•Better conversation•Unit of transformation•Using this structure

alternative future can be created•Know everyone on more personal level

ROMANTICIZING LEADERSHIP AND THE TURNS THIS CAN TAKE

How is one person’s view more important than the community’s? How is this allowed to continue? Can you think of situations in history that back this up? Is our culture acceding to autocratic leaders? Are they valued? Should it be this way in schools? Is this affected by the status/skill of the

teacher?

OUR SPECIAL VIDEO

911 Media Fear Mongering: How They Create The Enemy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTIWJwKXP48

Technology Fear Factor in Education http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNVFuPJyN1Y

COOL ARTICLES Fear: teaching distrust and social distance

http://theframeproblem.wordpress.com/2009/03/10/fear-and-anti-male-discrimination-in-the-classroom/

/ http://www.tcrecord.org/Content.asp?ContentID=14536 http://www.tcrecord.org/Content.asp?ContentID=14534 Success and Distress in a Media-Oriented Classroom.

http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED090548&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED090548

No Fear In My Classroom: A Teacher's Guide On How To: Ease Students' Concerns, Handle Parental Problems, Focus On Education, Gain Confidence In Yourselfby Frederick C. Wootan

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Investing-in-Education-The-American-Graduation-Initiative/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Excerpts-of-the-Presidents-remarks-in-Warren-Michigan-and-fact-sheet-on-the-American-Graduation-Initiative/

Hmm I approve...

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…GOOD QUOTES “To create a story, we first need to come to

terms with the correct one. This begins by naming

it. The story of the stuck community can

be heard both in the dominant public debate

and also in what we talk to each other about

every day. It is important to understand that

there is a hidden agenda in every story. This

agenda is a point to be made, a political belief

about what is important, that stays constant

regardless of the events of the day.” pg. 37

“Community exists for the sake of belonging and takes its identity from the gifts, generosity, and accountability of its citizens. It is not defined by its fears, its isolation, or its penchant for retribution.” pg. 30

Block, Peter. Community: The Structure of Belonging. Copyright 2008 by Peter Block. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.

Critical Pedagogy is AWSOME!!!