Teacher-student respect?

Question

I have a history teacher who, some students in my class, including myself, feel is a little wrong about some topics. Now history can be a very contreversal subject, and I don't agree with everything she says. I've spoken with her about certain issues, but she always waits until after class to talk with me. I understand the need for respect in a classroom, and I don't mind. Today however, a boy who has argued along side of me throughout the year, got himself into a major fight. He obviously felt strongly on a topic and spoke up. She, as usual told him to stay after class. He kept arguning, but in a polite manner; until she said something that he literally flipped out over. He told her to never say that again. She threw him out of the class, and I didn't hear the rest of it. I don't know what to think, if a stundent feels so strongly about a subject, don't you think the teacher should listen?

Answer 1

yes and no. the teacher is probably interested in what the student has to say BUT REMEMBER, they are some odd 20 other students (maybe more) in the class that have feelings also. it can VERY easily be taken that the teacher didn't stop the conversation so she might as well have said it by some other students.  and, if the student really is getting that worked up, she might have her job and teaching license to think about.  

Not to mention, if it was completely off topic, the teacher needs to tell him to stop so thathe in not wasting everyone else's time.  And, she does have a lesson to teach.  not all lessons can be debate.

Answer 2

i'm not a teacher but i do understand both sides of the story... if you feel so strongly about your ideas why don't you try asking your teacher if it would possible one day when there maybe left over class time if every one could share their views on the subject as long as it can be done in a non offensive manner that may cause problems amongst anyone since history is indeed contreversal

Answer 3

Let's see... you said the teacher asked that the student come by after school to continue the debate. That *IS* listening to the student and giving him a chance to express his views, just not at the risk of wasting the time of everyone else in class.  Do you think that the teacher should stop the entire lesson plan?  And while this debate is going on, what would the rest of the students be doing?  It takes time to plan lessons, and teachers have to try to teach as much of the state's curriculum as possible.  There is a time and a place for debate, and it sounds as if the teacher was offering the student a chance to express his views, but the boy decided to be the "star of the show" instead.

I'm a high school teacher and you'd be surprised how many students try to start "debates" just so they can take me off topic and waste class time.

Answer 4

Not if its something the teacher feels isn't appropriate to voice in front of the entire class.

You forget that there are many factors of a classroom that students are not aware of.  As your teachers we deal with the diverse home-lives, educational backgrounds, IEPs, religious affiliations... on a daily basis... all while begin as politically correct as possible to not get sued.

Answer 5

Teachers are professional educators with degrees, training and status as responsible adults.  Students are children.  This teacher has done nothing wrong.  Second guessing her is way beyond your place however emotional your friend's reaction was.

Drop it.