Through these scenes we get to know that Frank is expecting Rita to become discerning in the choices of life, what he exemplifies by the choices of reading. He is trying to make her understand not only literature but life better by discovering it in her own terms. What we are shown here is the importance of letting our students think about the possible choices they have and the big step the jump on when they discover things by their own. We, teacher, need to let them experiment with life, being guides and supporters for them.
Now, in scene 4, Rita says that going to Frank’s in order to study makes her stronger; but what does she actually mean with that? She is not quite proud of her family nor of her previous education. In a way studying at college is something that she was not expected to do, she knows that this activity will differentiate her from her husband and the people around her. She is becoming aware of the choice she had made; she wants to make the difference and studying with Frank is the tool for that. Isn't knowledge the tool for growing in life? for getting stronger each day? Is n't education the key to a better society? Just for us, teachers, to think about the powerful tool we have when dealing with education.
Now, in scene 4, Rita says that going to Frank’s in order to study makes her stronger; but what does she actually mean with that? She is not quite proud of her family nor of her previous education. In a way studying at college is something that she was not expected to do, she knows that this activity will differentiate her from her husband and the people around her. She is becoming aware of the choice she had made; she wants to make the difference and studying with Frank is the tool for that. Isn't knowledge the tool for growing in life? for getting stronger each day? Is n't education the key to a better society? Just for us, teachers, to think about the powerful tool we have when dealing with education.
8 comments:
So all teachers are life teachers, no matter what subject they're teaching, Yohana? 8-D!!!. What a responsibility!
I love your idea that knowledge makes us stronger, if presented in a way which widens our choices... In short, what you're saying is that teaching is (at a very deep level) no more and no less than helping people build their own ethics... or am I putting my words in your mouth?
Just not to leave without a question ;-): do you think Frank should deal with Rita's feelings about her background, or would that be beyond his scope?
Warmly,
Gladys
Hey Yohi!!! I know I haven't commented in a while... I'm kind of busy...
But here I am today...
I don't know if I would say that all teachers are life teachers... but, that knowledge makes us stronger is a fact for me... and thats why teachers (meaning the ones that have the job of educating in their hands) are so important... maybe they are not all life teachers, but they are there to show us (students) from their own subject, different views about the world, and, I wouldn't say they help us build our own ethics because I think that we must build them by our selfs, but they surely give us the tools, different kinds of tools, it is our job to clasify them and chose the appropiate ones. And theree's when we need the strength of knowledge...
love you,
Dido.
P.S./ I love this kind of blogs!! I'd love to have time to read the books... someday I will!!
Keep learning and teaching!!
Thanks everybody! What a nice surprise reading you againd DIDO....
Whether we like it or not, to me, we are life teachers, we are models (even if we are not meant to be)we are EDUCATORS and we teach through examples....
I sttrongly believe that we are BIG HELPERS.... it's true what Dido says about each student creats his/her own ethics but it's our job to be there giving them tools for them to find their ways.
Finally, I guess that Russell may surprise us all with Frank's attitude. For the time being I will say that he may do it.
LOL
Yohi
What you say all teachers do (show students different views of the world, and ... give them toolsfor life), Dido, is what I meant when I suggested all teachers are "life teachers". Apologies if I didn't get my point across quite clearly! :-P
And who said we (human beings) are not "meant to be models" for others, Yohana? Perhaps the great challenge of adulthood lies in facing that!?!
See you two around!
Warmly,
Gladys
PS: just wondering: does knowledge always "make us stronger"? ;-)
Hi Gla....
You know what... I've been thinking about what you told me in class... and I have started listening to myself when speaking about Rita...
Let me tell you, as soon as I read your comment I couldn't avoid thinking what kind of models we can be, and I got to the point that it really freaks me out... why if I'm not a good model?
Anyway, I am trying to re-read Rita with a more comprehensive view so as to apply what I'm learning to what I thought about her.
Hope in future post I could figure it out.
LOL
Yohi
Thank you for being such a wonderful listener, Yohana! ... And listen to these little secrets:
1. Students take a lot from their teachers, but if they're likely to take all negative things, why don't they take "all the good things as well"?
2. You've already set a great model by opening up to listening to yourself reflectively... Keep it up!
3. Showing your students you're not perfect is perhaps the most valuable thing you can teach them! don't you think that's bound to "liberate" them from the "oppression of perfection" in turn? (my psychologist helped me see that years ago, wish she could read me now!).
The world needs many teachers like you... Let your greatness shine!
All my love,
Gladys
Thanks a lot Gladys!
I've been through terrible days and you really made my day!
LOL
Yohi
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