So, 10th graders were taking notes on different kinds of folk tales (I know, right? Who still teaches 10th graders about folk tales? Isn't this what K-9 is for? Sheesh.).
We got to the part about myths, where I was explaining that they're similar to fables and parables because they deal with religion or religious beliefs, but different from them because it has to do with an explanation of the gods, landmarks, creation of humans/earth, or interactions between humans and gods, etc. My example was Greek or Roman myths and this is what happened:
Student: But myths aren't true.
Me: Not necessarily. Sure, we use the word 'myth' to mean something that's not 'fact', but the kind of myths I was just talking about were true to somebody at some point in time.
Student: But Greek and Roman myths aren't true.
Me: You have to be careful saying that because you're basically saying that someone else's beliefs and religions are false. I'm pretty sure no one likes to be told that. Like I said, at some point in time, myths were true to whatever group of people the tale originated from.
Student: But... aren't they not true?
Other student, just chiming in: Like, don't we use 'myth' to mean false?
Student: Like evolution?
Me: ...........
Evolution?
Student: Yeah, like the myth of evolution.
Another student, just hearing this: But evolution makes some sense... (more thinking out loud than anything, but still... I just wanted to ignore what could possibly explode into a very awkward debate)
Me: Well, some people believe evolution is true. There are many people who have studied long and hard and found common traits, so they came up with the theory of evolution. (and I made sure to use "Theory" just becaaaaause of trying to avoid some crazy situation that could end up with me being sued and/or fired.)
Student: Oh. So, do you believe in evolution?
Me: ............
(very quietly) yes... it makes some sense to me...
Student: Oh, well I believe in God. And Adam and Eve.
Me:....I believe in God....
Student in the back: You can believe in God and evolution!
Another student: Debate!!
Me: Aaaand we're done with this conversation. We're not having a debate because I don't want anyone to feel like others were ganging up on them for their beliefs. Everyone has something to belief and that's okay. Moving on to legends...
Thankfully, after I explained that it was all done.
My jaw seriously did drop, though.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
that's a new experience.
Filed under:
student encounters,
students,
teaching
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3 comments:
you are one incredible teacher!!! go get 'em girl! from your number one fan on montrose
OK. Those are some very legitimate concerns. And I'm not entirely surprised that middle school kids might not have been exposed (yet) to evolution, beyond their parents' prejudices. And I'm glad you're making a strong effort to get them to overcome such prejudices themselves.
If you teach in a public school, don't worry about being sued/fired over teaching evolution. I'm pretty sure you're covered, so long as you don't try to "indoctrinate" the kids in some radical fashion (which, knowing you, you wouldn't do).
If you teach in a private religious school, that might be another matter. I would suggest speaking w/ someone you trust, and asking what the "boundaries" are. I'm in a somewhat similar boat, as I've recently discovered that the "Catholic liberal arts" college I teach at is more "Catholic" than "liberal arts."
At times it makes me uncomfortable, but it also offers some opportunities: Knowing the boundaries, I can use the "language" of religion to push students in different directions. That's something you can't easily do in a public school (where talking about religion may be as taboo as talking about evolution in a conservative Evangelical school).
Either way, good luck. It seems like you have well-behaved, but relatively closed-minded kids. That will be a different kind of challenge, I'm sure!
Oh, Alison. You handled that very well. You were diplomatic and kind.
I, on the other hand, would have either: (1) screamed and yelled in frustration, or (2) had my head implode. I tip my hat to you.
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