When I think of social justice, I think of equality for all. Unfortunately that isn't the case yet in America. In the Rethinking Our Classroom article on social justice, I particularly enjoyed the Critical section. It was stating that a classroom's curriculum should consist of teaching students how to ask critical questions to "talk back" to the world. This meant that they shouldn't just take something for what it is, but to ask why, how comes, can this change, is this fair or right for example. They should also be taught to critique and analyze anything they see or hear to form their own opinions on it. The section ended by stating students should "have the opportunity to question social reality" through leaving the classroom so their learning can be "linked to real world problems."
I couldn't agree with that practice more! I think it is so important for students to be taught to find their own voice and be taught to think for themselves. They should question anything that doesn't seem to match their own opinion of what seems right. I think the only way that can happen though is like the article said; for them to see it for themselves out in the real world. To understand that some are less fortunate for example, students can visit and volunteer at a soup kitchen. To discuss the hurt and pain of abuse victims, students could organize a fundraiser for an abused animal shelter and advocate for peace. Student could also visit a citizen center to talk with the older generation who are often forgotten about or distanced from.
Learning doesn't just happen in the four walls of a classroom. To be the change you want to see in the world, one has to often go out and see first what they want to change. There is no better time to start this positive path than as a student in school. Crossroads School in Santa Monica, California focuses on service learning and has stated, "We believe community service activities provide students with an invaluable opportunity to see themselves in the larger context of the greater community in which they leave." How true is that? They gear their projects and programs around the age level of students to make sure they are appropriate and the students understand what they are doing and the impact they are having. I think this is a great system that all schools should implement!
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