7/4: Rethinking Schools: Middle School and Gender Stereotypes

In looking through our textbook to choose a chapter to read for today's blog post, I wanted to find something relevant to my own teaching practice. I landed on a chapter called Seventh Graders and Sexism by Lisa Espinosa, mainly because it was about one of our curriculum topics (gender issues in media) and was centered around middle school students (seventh grade). 

Espinosa uses the chapter to tell the story of her work with middle schoolers in identifying and protesting against gender stereotypes in popular culture and the media. In an attempt to supplement the curriculum with what she considered to be a pressing and relevant issue, Espinosa recounts her plan: "I planned for them to reflect on some common gender biases and to critically analyze the media’s role in reaffirming these stereotypes" (p. 154). She had her students brainstorm stereotypes for men and women and then asked them to reflect on why they had engaged in the stereotypes they had identified. She used culturally-responsive tests to facilitate discussion and asked them to write (both formally and informally) about their feelings on the subject. 

I love these ideas. In this chapter, Espinosa lays out a model for an excellent and engaging unit complete with a reading list. I also appreciate the way in which she is forthright with the struggles she faced while working with her kids on such a challenging topic. She mentions students who failed to take it seriously, other who were disengaged, and others who didn't see the value in trying to change the broken system. Though frustrated, Espinosa finds creative ways to adapt each lesson, attempting to (and often succeeding at) encouraging hesitant students to speak out on the subject. 

Her whole project made me think of my kids and how I can improve the unit for next year. Speaking of my kiddos, below are some examples of their work from our Critical Lenses unit:




Rereading these screenshots, I'm so proud of these kids! As eighth graders living in a very sexist community, a lot of them were quick to engage with the topic. Even still, I know I can do better next year at engaging students who feel shy, embarrassed, or too arrogant to participate. In taking Espinosa's advice, I will try to use different mediums and means of self-expression so that all students can find their voice and be heard. A must read for anyone else working with the same subject.

Comentarios

  1. Julie Gonçalves9 de julio de 2020 a las 5:55

    You're student did a really good job with these ads. Having that critical lens is so important!

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