Casanave & Schecter: Lessons from Teachings and Learnings

Vivian Gussin Paley pp. 115 112

Question 3 p. 151

Paley notes that children discuss moral issues easily, then asks, "Why are teachers so ambivalent about taking moral positions?" How do you respond to Paley's question?

I have not taught formally, or been involved in discussions with other teachers as peers, as Paley talks about in her essay. However, based on my limited experiences in langauge classrooms and classrooms in general, I think that we are cautious to avoid making judgments or forming opinions about students. This is especially important, I feel, in a language classroom, because there is a variety of cultures. Who's to say whats morally right or wrong in anothers culture?

That said, children may not know enough of the world to possess ambivalent perspectives. They may not know that different variations of the world exist outside of their homes or classrooms.

I think that, as teachers, we should encourage children to make moral decisions on their own, especially when they are in school and away from their parents. As language educators, we can expose children to open-minded positions on moral issues by introducing them to foreign cultures. I think that it is our duty.