"The secret in education lies in respecting the students"
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
FREEDOM WRITERS
Directed by: Richard
LaGravanese
Subject: ED105B
Section: JSED
Subject: ED105B
Section: JSED
Schedule:
Tuesday/Friday 10:30 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Mr. Ricky Bustos
Instructor: Mr. Ricky Bustos
"Teachers Change the
World"
1. Describe Mrs. Gruwell as a teacher. How did she handle her class? What are her qualities that made her a teacher of yesteryear? A 21st century teacher?
Teaching
is a profession that is considered to be a rewarding, challenging and complex
role. An effective teacher does not simply teach knowledge their students and
instead aims to arm students with the knowledge, skills, understanding and
attitudes that will prepare students for life-long learning. Mrs Gruwell is one
example of an effective teacher. In the movie, Mrs Gruwell is a newly teacher
who really wanted to teach. She has passion to her work. At first she had some
difficulty in handling the class but as time pass by she manage to change her
class. She made them listen to her and respect her by giving them what they
really need which is trust, love and respect. She shows authority to her class
and most of the time she uses the blackboard, making her a teacher of yester
years. And as a teacher who made change and take risks even though her colleagues
are against her, made her a teacher of 21st century.
2. Describe the
composition of Mrs. Gruwell’s class. How is racism manifested in the movie?
Mrs
Gruwell's class was divided into groups. The class has boundaries by each race.
The way the student group themselves outside and inside the classroom is a
clear manifestation of racism. It is also evident in the way the school treated
them. And the fact that there is no Latin
American or black American literature is a sign of prejudice. Teachers think
that one race is above the other.
3. Describe the principal
and Mrs. Gruwell’s coordinator. How would you relate their characters and views
in real life?
The
principal and Mrs. Gruwell's coordinator was self-centered. They only care for themselves
and think they are better among others. In real life it is difficult to make a
change. To right the things in the administration, in the society and there are
people who will hinder you no matter how good your plan is.
4. What are the strategies
and activities she used to her class? How did it help in making her class
successful?
She
uses lots of activities, the red line, going to the museum, writing on a
journal and reading the diary of Anne Frank. These activities made them realize
that they are not the only one who experienced hardship. It made them realize
that they may differ in many things but they still have something in common.
And it made them successful by eliminating boundaries. They learn how to
respect each other.
5. Are there uses of
technology in the class? Elaborate.
Yes. Technology
was used in the class. Although the teacher mostly used the traditional way of
teaching that focuses on books, direct instruction and teacher-centered but
she is still able to integrate technology in class. Some strategies were
applied to the class for the students, like watching videos and photos, and
using radio were shown to them by the use of technology. These medium help them
to be accessible for easy and effective learning.
6. If you’ll be assigned
with a class or students in conflict, how will you handle it?
Being
in a class with students having conflict with each other is truly a hard challenge. This is one of the biggest problems of every teacher. Well, every
problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any
problems, you don't get any seeds. Stand
up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they
haven't half the strength you think they have.
7. What are your insights
and learnings after watching the movie?
After
watching the movie, I’ve learned that being a teacher doesn't only mean you
teach but also you made each student wanted to learn. This profession doesn't
only need your knowledge but also your time and love. It demands more of you as
a result you begin to set aside your family, love one even yourself. As what it
is quoted in the movie that “yes it is only a job, but is the job finish?"
You will never know when your job as a teacher finishes it doesn't follow any
time.
8. What is the symbolism
of Room 203? How did it help the students?
Room
203 becomes their home. For it is where they mold themselves to be a better
individual. They have built friendship and it helps them face the world. Help
them to dream high to be someone they long to be.
