What do you think about student-teacher interaction? In my experience over time, there are many similarities in the desires for change amongst teachers of different grades and different types of schools. There is likewise similar desire amongst students.
Recently, I learned of a different model at Central Park School for Children in Durham (CPSFC). CPSFC is a project-based charter school1. Generally, the cultures of charter schools closely mirror the cultures of traditional public schools, but project-based schools have more of a coaching model, and allow students to acquire knowledge on their own2. In my opinion, this structure most closely resembles the Montessori structure, allowing students to be more independent and accountable for themselves. From the moment of introduction, CPSFC is already different in that their kids address the adults – teachers, staff, administration – by FIRST NAME! So, I got to thinking – what are the pros and cons of the philosophy behind this particular relaxed rule?
Here are my thoughts:
PROS:
- A positive self-image
A more inclusive environment is created. The kids don’t have certain barriers in place that may be inhibiting to them seeing themselves and their perspectives as important. It does away with the notion of “do as I say and not as I do”, and fosters clarity and understanding by way of transparency. Sometimes, one’s voice evaporates before ever blossoming due to a burdensome political structure. Just ask a non-voter why he or she doesn’t vote. Understanding the value of one’s voice helps with the confidence of using one’s voice. It creates a sense of social responsibility.
- Confidence
Being positioned to address an otherwise authoritative figure as an equal fosters confidence. Allowing outspokenness to be a part of a child’s growth phase can lead to breaking down mental barriers that may have existed for a child. A kid who may otherwise be shy and apprehensive is now supported by the ability to chip away the wall between him or herself and an adult. This is especially highlighted by the stark difference between the school environment and outside environments. Which leads to my next point:
- Enjoyment
Just like adults, often times, kids are not particularly thrilled about school and the abject of the learning environment. By removing certain otherwise distracting components of a traditional school environment, kids can look forward to the learning environment. Let’s be honest – certain rules are conducive to the development of mental and emotional blockages. Being able to enjoy the environment means you’re also enjoying those who are contributing to it…or at least tolerant of them.
- Tolerance
In a society that has moved more and more towards inclusivity for the LGTBQIA community, understanding one another has become more progressively important. If we nurture understanding at an early age, whether one agrees with another individual’s lifestyle or not becomes inconsequential, and allows for tolerance. Cultural tolerance is especially important, as well. When we can hear one another, we can understand one another, and acceptance is more readily attainable.
CONS:
- Skewed boundaries
I have gotten less than positive feedback about Gen Z-ers and their concept of respect. Gen-Zers were born between the years of 1997 and 20123. Some of them have already entered the work force, some of them may be pursuing a degree, and some of them are in grade school. A Gen Z-er who has been corrected by a member of an older generation in relation to respect and/or boundaries may feel victimized when he or she has been corrected. Kids are not readily able to discern the lines of respect normally delineated by and ascribed to adults. There is some confusion about what is socially appropriate.
- Blindness to authority
Have you ever been part of a work culture where titles are stripped away? They tout the purpose as being more inclusive, breaking down walls, making those with seniority more approachable, etc. But what happens when something goes wrong? To whom do you report? Have you unknowingly offended the individual in charge? How do you reprimand when you have not created the expectation? All I have here are questions, and no answers. The last question is the most important because the understanding and application of consequence becomes increasingly subjective and possibly unfair.
- Lack of Firmness
Although breaking down the walls of titles can allow one to be more confident and tolerant of others and their views, it can also have the opposite effect. When feelings of disrespect arise, they are not easily discernable. As a result, one may need to step away to understand his or her feelings, or may take additional time during an interaction to ask questions that may be confusing to the recipient. Taking the additional time to process effectively allows the rebuttal to lose its impact, and further fuels confusion. While confidence and a positive self-image are at play here, there is also a component of confusion which may cause these interactions to repeat due to not having certain established and clear lines.
Have you considered being a bit more lax when it comes to certain traditional rules? At what point does tradition maybe become stifling? It’s great to have a positive self-image, confidence, enjoyment, and tolerance, but are some of what we are doing skewing boundaries, catering to a blind spot for authority, and/or nurturing pushovers?
When the cat’s away, the mice will play. Do we really all want to be the mice? Where are the cats? Hmmm…food for thought. Ultimately, I think it’s great to find a way to mix structure to be inclusive. We are all part of an ongoing social experiment, so all we can do is our best to continue to get it as close to “right” as we can. Some walls are there for protection. And let’s be honest – people like rules and instruction. The model is excellent. The question is: When is it most useful? Honestly, I can liken this model to civil disobedience and a small revolution within society. It’s a slow and expanded, “The British are coming!”
References
- Central Park School for Children. (2023, July 7). Central Park School for Children – Project Based Learning K-8. https://cpsfc.org/
- Lewis, Karen. “Choosing a Charter School :: What Is Project-Based Learning?” Collin County Moms, 11 Jan. 2023, https://collincounty.momcollective.com/ages-stages/school-years/choosing-a-charter-school-what-is-project-based-learning/. Accessed 11 Aug. 2023.
- Loria, K., Lee, S., & York, A. (2023, May 29). Here’s which generation you’re part of based on your birth year — and why those distinctions exist. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/generation-you-are-in-by-birth-year-millennial-gen-x-baby-boomer-2018-3#:~:text=The%20newest%20addition%20to%20today’s,born%20between%201997%20and%202012.