Peacefield History

Teaching Critical Thinking Creatively

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • Shop Teaching Materials on TpT
  • Community
    • Join our Email Community
    • Join our Collaborative Facebook Group
  • About Peacefield History

Why Teaching is a Political Act

By: peacefieldhistory3 Comments

 

We see this phrase “teaching is a political act” often times when teachers are defending a political stance they have taken on social media or in the classroom. However, while this phrase is often utilized, it seems that its meaning is often obfuscated by rhetoric. Before anyone enters the teaching profession, they must really understand why teaching is inherently political and how it automatically influences the way one interacts with students.

One must first define what it means to be political in relation to teaching. It does not mean that one simply talks about political parties, or issues, or engages in commentary about our political leaders. The meaning is much broader. To teach is to be political. As teachers, our most essential task is to develop our students’ ability to think. The topics or curriculum we choose (or have chosen for us) is the vessel through which we advance that thinking process. That process, that is the political act. This occurs no matter what style of teaching we choose or teaching philosophy we possess.

If you, as a teacher, engage your students in critical thinking, you are engaging in a political act. If you teach them rote memorization, you are also engaging in a political act. By being a teacher, you are influencing your students’ thinking and modifying the way that they process information. You are changing the way that they think, how they internalize words and meaning, and whether they are silently passive or actively engaged. That will then change how they see the world and how they participate in society, and how they see themselves within that society.

As teachers, we make many choices in our teaching. However, one might argue that we make the decision between two paths. Do we see our students as objects or as subjects? Are we filling them with knowledge, like an object, or are we teaching them to tools to process knowledge – like a subject?*  When we teach students like objects, we are teaching them to passively accept, to comply. We are teaching them that the world happens to them and that they cannot influence that experience. This understanding they will then transfer to other aspects of their lives – whether it be their reaction to our government’s decisions or their own personal relationships. When we teach our students as though they are subjects, we are teaching them to engage, to react, to reject, and to push for change. When folks talk about social justice, this is the path they have chosen.

Therefore, if you have chosen to become a teacher, you have chosen to become a political being. Even if you reject all of the above, you are still influencing your students’ thinking and the lens with which they see the world. You cannot remove politics from your profession.

The path that one chooses does carry over into how one examines our current political situation. If we as teachers, teach our students to think critically, to support their opinions with evidence, and to constantly and consistently question their thinking, then we are teaching them to be active participants in the dynamic, frustrating, and ever-wavering political situation that is our current political framework. We have leaders who lie, who reject evidence, who are not critical thinkers. That is a problem that our students should be able to address and question. As teachers, we need to support them in that effort, we need to help them to develop the tools to process this world. That could not be more fundamental.

*Paulo Freire discusses these ideas much more eloquently than I. If you didn’t read Pedagogy of the Oppressed in college, you should probably pick up a copy.

How do you teach your students to think critically? 


Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:

Cookie Policy

Comments

  1. 1

    Jason says

    January 14, 2018 at 11:46 am

    I agree that we must teach our students to think critically about whatever information they are presented with. I also think that we should allow our students to question/challenge authority. Too often, teachers reject any student who challenges their authority. We cannot be afraid students asking us why we do something or offering perhaps a better way to do it. Good post! Keep it up!

    Reply
    • 2

      peacefieldhistory says

      July 22, 2018 at 3:21 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Advocating for My Students Requires Being Political On My Own Time – Occupy Maine says:
    September 21, 2020 at 6:26 pm

    […] most ironic is that teaching is, in itself, a political act; moreover, the way in which schools are funded is completely political. Sadly, rather than […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Peacefield History

Peacefield History is filled with all topics teaching and history related. Follow me for trends in education, teacher tech tips, history related reading, and other more general musings.

Search

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Join the Facebook Group

Follow Me on Pinterest

Instagram

peacefieldhistory

You are watching an insurrection. This is domesti You are watching an insurrection. 
This is domestic terrorism. 
This is not a representative Democracy. 

Period.
𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴???? ⁣ 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴???? ⁣
⁣
I don't think we should be first on the list by any means... however, when I see teachers from other states getting that coveted shot in their arm, I wonder when it will be our turn. ⁣
⁣
I just want some information.⁣
⁣
#socialstudiesteacher #socialstudies #teachinghistory  #hybridlearning #weareteachers #teacherlife #middleschoolsteacher #teachersfollowteachers  #distancelearning #iteachhistory #
This post might be two days late, but that's becau This post might be two days late, but that's because I'm all about finding "balance" this year. Balance between...⁣
⁣
work/life⁣
school/home⁣
plenty/simplicity⁣
productivity/relaxation⁣
the past/ the future⁣
growth/contentment⁣
⁣
I can over think everything at every moment of the day. This year, I just want to live and savor the days instead. (This might just be because I'm 40 now, but I see those days as they pass, and they are fast y'all.)⁣
⁣
#socialstudiesteacher #socialstudies #teachinghistory #TpT #teacherspayteachers #teacherlife #middleschoolteacher #teachersfollowteachers  #distancelearning #iteachhistory #distancelearning  #engagingteaching #historyteacher #iteachmiddleschool #iteachAP #teacheronbreak
Accurate. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to t Accurate.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to those who celebrate in this season! I’m just trying not to eat ALL the spinach and artichoke dip that I made... #selfcare #thedipistheselfcare
My students have been playing "For Crown or Colony My students have been playing "For Crown or Colony?" over the past week, and I needed a new way to make sure that they were understanding/paying attention to what they were learning from the game. I wanted this check-in to be quick, easy to mark, and with minimal clicking on my part. @Padlet came to my rescue. Here's how I set it up.⁣
⁣
1. I posted a question with directions. My post was the only item visible on the page.⁣
2. Student didn't have to log in, they just created their own posts and added their names at the top. ⁣
3. To prevents students from copying each other, I make the posts require approval. This way, I could see all the posts, but they could not. I could provide a check next to their names as I gradually approved the posts. ⁣
⁣
This worked. Students would review the posts the next day to see how their interactions with the game differed. It was easy and quick, and we all need more of that this year. I hope you're thriving and not just surviving right now in your classroom!⁣
⁣
Allison⁣
⁣
#socialstudiesteacher #socialstudies #teachinghistory #TpT #teacherspayteachers #hybridlearning #teacherlife #middleschoolsteacher #teachersfollowteachers #historyteacher #distancelearning #iteachhistory #distancelearning #cooperativelearning #padlet #missionus #forcrownorcolony  #iteachmiddleschool
So basically today was about how much I look like So basically today was about how much I look like my Bitmoji. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #greatkidslongyear #iteachmiddleschool #socialstudiesteacher #iteachhistory #hybridteaching #socialstudies #bitmoji #teachersofinstagram
I'm EXHAUSTED, but I'm starting to figure out how I'm EXHAUSTED, but I'm starting to figure out how this hybrid learning thing works. (It probably helps that I have the sweetest kids under the sun this year!) Since I've had a couple nights of actual sleep, I decided to blog about some of the ideas I've had for cooperative learning this year. It's definitely more difficult, but it's not impossible. (Especially since I've fallen in love with Google Breakout rooms.) Click the link in my profile to learn more!
I have a million tasks on my plate right now, but I have a million tasks on my plate right now, but I may have spent some of my Saturday rearranging my plants. Swipe to see some of my faves. (Yes I have fave plants, don’t you?!) 

#noregrets #havetograde #plantsaremyhappyplace #plantlady #houseplants #sundayvibes #homedecor #sundayscaries
The day after the President told teachers that the The day after the President told teachers that they were focusing too much on slavery in our history, we talked about slavery in my AP class. Why? It's a HUGE part of U.S. History, and not shocking, it also a HUGE part of my curriculum. Slavery comes up often in my classes because it's so fundamental to our development as a country. I'd traditionally done this lesson as a silent conversation, however, I decided to have my hybrid class use Jamboard instead for this lesson.  I gave them 8 "thought provoking" prompts. They had to respond using the ideas they generated by reading two articles (Nash and Kendi). Then, they had to respond to a classmate's posts on each slide. ⁣
⁣
It was an intense and silent period. Students were clicking, typing and THINKING. Their brains were flying and focused. It was interesting, when the bell rang it startled all of this. The initial feedback was that they really enjoyed the experience. We had nine slides filled with details and ideas. Of all that I have done with hybrid teaching thus far, this was probably my favorite. ⁣
⁣
I had a bit of a lightbulb go off with this experience. We're often tasks with "summing things up" at the end of every lesson. With this lesson, I made it about the PROCESS. Thinking, critical thinking, doesn't always lead to an immediate resolution. My students still learned, despite not having a summation.⁣
⁣
This is not my lesson. I've blogged about it previously, and all the resources are there. Click the link in my profile to grab them.
I had another post scheduled for this evening, but I had another post scheduled for this evening, but right now all I can think about is this tremendous loss and my concern for our country. She lived an admirable life, and the fears we have because of her death make me so sad. 

Image from @theimpeccablewoman
Since many of us teaching remotely in some form th Since many of us teaching remotely in some form these days,  I compiled a list of my favorite Youtube channels for teaching Middle School History.  You can check out my blog post by clicking the link in my profile.
One of the best things I did for myself this past One of the best things I did for myself this past year was revive my garden. It had fallen to pieces the previous year. I was overwhelmed by life, and the garden was way too big for just me. It had become a place of stress instead of joy. This year, I cut it in half and had my Dad help me rebuild the beds. With a smaller garden, I was able to maintain the space properly. It looks so much better, I grew veggies and flowers again, and I love going out there now!

Never forget to keep a space for yourself. Both a tangible space and one in your mind.
I had the BEST day with students today. I introduc I had the BEST day with students today. I introduced them to @pear_deck, and we were all able to collectively learn. They learned about the program, and I learned a bit more about them! I gave them a bunch of different kinds of questions to get them used to the platform. For one, they had to draw a historical event, and then their classmates had to guess which even they were drawing. I faced my  computer towards the screen so that both my in class students and my remote students could participate. It was so cool! Everyone had a chance to be a part of the conversation.

I still look serious here however, because despite these positive experiences, we all have to stay vigilant. Keep cleaning, socially distancing, and keep that mask on! I want to at least keep hybrid schooling in my life, and that will only happen if our cases stay low.

Get some rest this weekend!
So, my first day back with students went by in a f So, my first day back with students went by in a flash, so here’s a picture from the morning before the school day.

Honestly, for me today was pretty darn good. To see my AP kids in the room was just pure joy (I had them in seventh also.) The hybrid thing was weird, but we’ll get used to it. The seventh graders were still super cute - online or in person - and we all just seemed happy to be back. I know that it’s going to get more difficult, and I think that grading online is certainly going to kill me. However, I’m going to savor this moment. I just felt grateful to be back in my classroom. (Oh, and wearing a mask really wasn’t that bad.🤷🏻‍♀️)

I hope your day was good also, and if it wasn’t, I hope it gets better soon!
Although I’m finally going back to my classroom Although I’m finally going back to my classroom this week, the circumstances of the past six months have meant that I’ve spent most of my time at home. I’ve managed to keep balance in part by taking long walks with my dog (Mabel), and obsessively listening to podcasts. I’ve found that I struggle with silence, and ambient noise and music also help me to settle my mind. 

Generally speaking, I would just shove my iPhone into my pocket on my way out the door. My neighbors have really gotten to know my listening habits, as I take a walk every morning catching up with the news on NPR, or re-listening to the latest @officeladiespod.

When @sudio offered my the chance to try out their wireless earbuds, I basically sent a reply back that read - YES! I snapped up a hunter green pair and I am in love! Stylish and utilitarian is my jam! These ear buds work perfectly and they have made my walks much more enjoyable (and noise free for my neighbors). 

You can snatch up your own pair with a 15% discount by using the code Peacefield. This code is good until November 24th! Let me know if you have any questions below! 

#ad #sponsored #sudiomoments #sudio
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • AP U.S. History
  • Assessment
  • Book Reviews
  • Classroom Management
  • Digital Learning
  • Inquiry Based Learning
  • Lessons
  • Professional Development
  • Standards Based Grading
  • Teacher Budgeting
  • Teacher Interviews
  • Teacher Self Care
  • Teacher Tech
  • Teaching Strategies
  • Teaching the Election

Popular Posts

  • 10 Hacks for Creating with Google Slides - Part 1
    10 Hacks for Creating with Google Slides - Part 1
  • Eight Youtube Channels for Teaching Middle School Social Studies
    Eight Youtube Channels for Teaching Middle School Social Studies
  • 4 Fun Websites for Teaching Geography Interactively
    4 Fun Websites for Teaching Geography Interactively
  • The Best Inquiry Based Social Studies Lessons on the Web
    The Best Inquiry Based Social Studies Lessons on the Web
  • Utilizing MEAL for Paragraph Writing in Social Studies
    Utilizing MEAL for Paragraph Writing in Social Studies
  • Designing your Social Studies Classroom Cheaply and Easily
    Designing your Social Studies Classroom Cheaply and Easily
  • 10 Cooperative Learning Idea for a Socially Distanced Classroom
    10 Cooperative Learning Idea for a Socially Distanced Classroom
  • A Critical Thinking One Pager Assessment
    A Critical Thinking One Pager Assessment
  • 15 History Lesson Ideas for Google Arts and Culture
    15 History Lesson Ideas for Google Arts and Culture
  • 10 Ways to use Pear Deck in your History Classroom
    10 Ways to use Pear Deck in your History Classroom

Find me on Facebook

Find me on Facebook

© 2018–2021 Peacefield History.
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy