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How Language Enabled Innovation and Evolution


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Ricky Feb 26, 2012

The main reason I became a teacher was because of my own high school and middle school experiences and that I didn't want one child in my care to ever feel like I did.  The teacher being fully present, and recognizing the tactics of bullying behavior provides safety for this type of activity within the classroom.  Many students exhibiting bullying behavior do not even recognize their patterns.  I so appreciate your observation.  It has been my experience in teaching that when we allow students to remain 'safe' within their 'hang' groups the opportunity for bullying is perpetuated.  Cliques mainly support bullying, and usually by not doing anything.  They don't reach out to others.  I need to say that the class I teach this in is an elective, meaning the students want to be there and have a genuine interest in the subject matter.  I would totally agree with you that this could be a concern within a class where students are obligated to take it.  All the more reason for the teacher to be vigilant...