tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717221249845341165.post8021038636868244978..comments2023-09-30T06:10:34.381-07:00Comments on Shadow Knows: Mixed BagRobbi N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04881145195435485238noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717221249845341165.post-2272855273468535682010-08-31T13:24:20.085-07:002010-08-31T13:24:20.085-07:00I think I may have just talked her into doing the ...I think I may have just talked her into doing the assignment. She came to class, and afterwards, I took her to the TA office and we looked at John Stuart Mill's essay On Liberty. I told her to read it for next Weds. at 1, and I'd meet her at the Writing Lab to discuss it. But in the process of talking about what I envisioned as that alternative class (a discussion of various arguments for and against censorship and a paper contrasting and analyzing them), I began to argue that it didn't serve any useful purpose to run from something she found hateful, and that confronting it and articulating a reasoned argument about it would be far more empowering. She asked me what was in it for her, and I persuaded her (isn't that my job, after all?) to give it a try. Let's see whether she can do it.Robbi N.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04881145195435485238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717221249845341165.post-23242626498889097622010-08-31T09:36:08.898-07:002010-08-31T09:36:08.898-07:00I am sorry you are going through this, Robbi! It ...I am sorry you are going through this, Robbi! It seems a bit much for you to have to teach an entire alternative section of the class to one student, though she is in a difficult situation with her religious beliefs, etc. I can only hope with you that your colleagues can help you find another section of the class for her (though this has been difficult, so far), or help you come up with another solution. If I were in your student's shoes, I would simply drop the class and try to find another teacher, another semester, etc. No one is to blame for this situation, and it does not seem right to me that you should have to do all the extra work. Plus, other students might get the idea that they can come up with reasons to expect you to alter the course for them as well(?) <br /><br />If you do come up with a positive 'teachable moment' from this that enhances your students' and your own learning experiences, more power to you as an instructor! Good luck!!Robinnoreply@blogger.com