Discussion in a Democratic Society

In the excerpt from “Discussion as a Way of Teaching,” it talks about the importance of teaching in a classroom, and the allowance of students to speak and discuss their beliefs. This allows students and teachers alike to have access to a broader range of opinions, and to think, defend, and maybe even have their viewpoints changed.

            I love that the teacher, Steve, admits that he came in with a specific view on the issue of DNRs, that he is happy when his students have the same views as him, but then he is surprised by opposing view points. Instead of telling students they are wrong, he lets them have their own opinions and explain their reasons why. By doing so he allowed students to grow in his classroom.

            This is not always the case in classrooms. In all my experience as a student, there are always teachers who will tell you what you believe is wrong. It doesn’t matter what school type you’ve been in, parochial or public (I’ve been in both), there is always that one teacher who, if you don’t share the same opinion, they argue against you, not allowing a discussion. I want to be the type of teacher who allows open discussion in her classroom. I want to encourage participation in these discussions and to show my students you can have different opinions with out it being the end of the work.

            As a teacher, I do not think that my personal opinion should trump those of my students. I should be able to direct discussion and keep them from arguing, but yet still be able to allow everyone’s opinions to be heard, whether or not it is the same as mine. I should not come into class with unrealistic expectations of what my students will say, but instead to allow myself to be surprised and/or impressed by what they have to offer.