Forgotten Class: How modern values are failing our kids

Riley, a first-year teacher, encountered a challenging student named Riley who later became a prisoner. The teacher reflects on the factors that contributed to Riley's fate and questions the impact of modern values on a generation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Riley, a first-year teacher, encountered difficulties with a student named Riley. Her instincts suggested that Riley would be challenging, and her initial interactions with her confirmed this. Riley arrived late to class, smoked cigarettes, and spoke on her phone during lessons. Despite her challenges, Riley was a popular student among her 15-year-old classmates. Five years later, Riley was in prison, a fate that was likely predicted by statistics. However, why was Riley's fate so inevitable? Why do some children fall into the same predictable downwards spirals? In this essay, a teacher in a challenging school shares stories of the kids she taught and the difficulties they faced, and ponders how our modern values are contributing towards the demise of a generation.

Riley's story is not unique. Many students struggle with similar issues, including poverty, trauma, and lack of support. Teachers play a crucial role in helping these students overcome these challenges and achieve success. However, the current educational system often fails to meet the needs of these students. Teachers are often overworked, underpaid, and lack the resources and support they need to provide effective instruction. This can lead to frustration and burnout, which can further exacerbate the problems faced by students.

One of the biggest challenges facing students today is the pressure to succeed. Students are expected to achieve high grades, attend extracurricular activities, and participate in social events. This pressure can be overwhelming, especially for students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many students feel like they are not good enough and that they are not living up to their parents' expectations. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even suicide.

To address this issue, teachers need to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. This means providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed, as well as creating a sense of belonging and community. Teachers should also be aware of the cultural and social factors that may impact their students' lives and work to address these issues in the classroom.

Another challenge facing students today is the impact of technology. While technology can be a great tool for learning, it can also be a source of distraction and addiction. Students are spending more and more time on their phones, tablets, and computers, which can lead to a lack of focus and engagement in the classroom. Teachers need to work to balance the use of technology with other forms of instruction and to ensure that students are using technology in a responsible and ethical manner.

In addition to these challenges, students also face a number of other issues, including bullying, discrimination, and violence. These issues can have a profound impact on a student's mental and physical health. Teachers need to work to create a safe and supportive environment for all students, and to address these issues when they arise.

One of the ways that teachers can address these issues is by providing students with counseling and support services. Counselors can help students work through their emotional and behavioral issues, and can provide them with resources and support to help them succeed in the classroom. Support services can include tutoring, mentoring, and after-school programs.

Teachers can also work to create a more inclusive classroom environment by promoting diversity and inclusion. This can include teaching about different cultures, religions, and sexual orientations, and by creating opportunities for students to interact with each other. Teachers can also work to address gender stereotypes and to ensure that all students feel valued and respected.

However, creating a more inclusive classroom environment can be challenging. Teachers may face resistance from parents, administrators, and other students who may not agree with their approach. Teachers need to be prepared to address these challenges and to work to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

In conclusion, Riley's story is a reminder of the challenges that students face today. While teachers play a crucial role in helping these students overcome these challenges and achieve success, the current educational system often fails to meet the needs of these students. Teachers need to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, provide students with the resources and support they need to succeed, and address the impact of technology and other issues. By doing so, we can help to ensure that a generation of students is not lost to the pressures of modern life.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138672550