In a Different Voice

In Gilligan's In a Different Voice she discusses how many psychology models focus only on the male perspective. Unfortunately this shows women and girls that they are not the norm and if they cannot conform to the so called norm their must be something wrong with them. So how is this applicable in a classroom setting? Many female students are made to feel like they are beneath their male counterparts and that can set them up for failure. If the girls feel like they are already in a lower position they may lack self esteem and resist participation in class in  fear of embarrassment. They also may simply believe that they cannot do something because they have been told they cannot  and that can turn into them not trying because they think that they can't.
While do research for another class on women and psychology, I found that many women and girls believed that they did not believe they belonged in math. They were always taught that boys were better at math and science and that affected their self-esteem. I also found that until a couple of years ago it was found that many standardized tests in math used word problems and examples about things that typically interest boys, like sports and cars. many of the girls taking the test could not identify with the problem and in turn had difficulty solving the problem.
So I think it is important for teachers to make sure that their students know that they all can do it. They need to encourage every student despite their gender, race, or any other type of diversity. I also believe that teachers, especially in math, need to give examples and questions that everyone can relate to or at least a variety of different ones. it is extremely important to make sure everyone feels that they belong and can do anything.

Children of Immigration

The amount of difficulties and stereotypes that the children of immigration must face is overwhelming. One of the things that bothered me the most while reading the book was some of the teachers views of immigrant students. Some view them as unintelligent, lazy, and more likely to get into trouble (127). These teachers blame the students for their difficulties instead of helping them overcome the issues that they face. I believe the biggest problem here is that the teachers lack education about these students. They need to see that these students are not lazy but that they are facing a language barrier and other cultural barriers. These teachers need to recognize these difficulties and find ways to help students deal with these issues and flourish in school.

Another thing that struck me during my reading was the family dynamics in immigrant families. Many of the children are forced to take on the role of the parents because they know English. this takes away the luxury of being a teenager and makes it difficult for them to have time to study and have a social life. Their parents' fears of Americanization can also can open the door to bullying and put the students into social exile. In high school differences are not looked upon fondly and when parents do not want the children to conform and become like their classmates they are setting them up to be outsiders. This can also make it difficult for students to make friends, which can make high school a living hell. I think school need to make efforts to help immigrant students make connections and educate other students about the cultures of immigrant students to help them be better accepted. If the students have a sense of belonging and acceptance they are better set up to succeed in  academics.

Schools need to do more to educate both their students and their teachers about immigration and the children of immigration. If the students are informed about the differences in culture and the difficulties that their fellow students may face they would be more likely to accept them and help them through their experience. Teachers nee to learn how to help students overcome their difficulties in both their academic and personal lives. The children of immigration will be able to succeed better in school with a feeling of a support system.