Addams argues that schools should help immigrant children connect to their cultural heritage to serve as a bridge between their parents' culture and their new world. She claims teaching children their own culture will help them appreciate where they came from. A contemporary of Addams disagrees, arguing that the primary goal of schools is to teach literacy, not culture, in order to prepare children for the workforce. They say it is unrealistic and impractical to expect teachers to learn all immigrant cultures, and that immigrants should integrate into American culture instead. The contemporary also disagrees with Addams' view that schools should teach a "worldwide" culture, saying the goal is simply to teach basic literacy to prepare children for work, not to prevent juvenile
Addams argues that schools should help immigrant children connect to their cultural heritage to serve as a bridge between their parents' culture and their new world. She claims teaching children their own culture will help them appreciate where they came from. A contemporary of Addams disagrees, arguing that the primary goal of schools is to teach literacy, not culture, in order to prepare children for the workforce. They say it is unrealistic and impractical to expect teachers to learn all immigrant cultures, and that immigrants should integrate into American culture instead. The contemporary also disagrees with Addams' view that schools should teach a "worldwide" culture, saying the goal is simply to teach basic literacy to prepare children for work, not to prevent juvenile
Addams argues that schools should help immigrant children connect to their cultural heritage to serve as a bridge between their parents' culture and their new world. She claims teaching children their own culture will help them appreciate where they came from. A contemporary of Addams disagrees, arguing that the primary goal of schools is to teach literacy, not culture, in order to prepare children for the workforce. They say it is unrealistic and impractical to expect teachers to learn all immigrant cultures, and that immigrants should integrate into American culture instead. The contemporary also disagrees with Addams' view that schools should teach a "worldwide" culture, saying the goal is simply to teach basic literacy to prepare children for work, not to prevent juvenile
Addams argues that schools should help immigrant children connect to their cultural heritage to serve as a bridge between their parents' culture and their new world. She claims teaching children their own culture will help them appreciate where they came from. A contemporary of Addams disagrees, arguing that the primary goal of schools is to teach literacy, not culture, in order to prepare children for the workforce. They say it is unrealistic and impractical to expect teachers to learn all immigrant cultures, and that immigrants should integrate into American culture instead. The contemporary also disagrees with Addams' view that schools should teach a "worldwide" culture, saying the goal is simply to teach basic literacy to prepare children for work, not to prevent juvenile
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Addams (1908) discusses the classroom as social space specifically the notion of immigrant
students negotiating ideas of acculturation and assimilation within their new environment. Addams argues for the school as an open community where living and learning flow in and out of the space. From the reading, we begin to see traces of teachers as curriculum planners. You are asked to role-play for this discussion and argue against Addams' point of view. By arguing this stance, you should distinguish your opinions and assume the role of her opponents. Consider the opposite point of view because, at the time, her ideas were not well-received by her contemporaries and by considering the opposition, you will have a holistic understanding of her position.
You are a fellow educator, a contemporary of hers but you disagree with her concepts. Discuss why you think it would not be a good idea to pursue her beliefs. What are some opposing points of view? Why are her opinions unrealistic or too radical? You may choose one or two of her views and tell your peers why you think Addams may be an idealist.
In your response to this post, be constructive and respectful. Avoid any type of sarcasm or language that would be considered offensive or argumentative. State the point you disagree with and, as always, support your position by referencing sources and including citations. -
Addams’ arguments:
One of Ms Addams’ arguments is that the school needs to bring immigrant children closer to parents, so that children serve like a link between the future world and the past reality that their parents are accustomed to (Addams, 1908). Thus, she claims, the children need to learn appreciating their own culture. I must note, that this is a very idealistic expectation. Firstly, the most important task of the school is to provide knowledge, literacy, and prepare the children for future work. What we need is - skilled workers to boost our economy. Secondly, we cannot afford to waste time and funds to educate teachers in cultural differences. There are so many immigrants in the US from different countries, is it even possible to get insight into all of those cultures? Why waste time, when we can use this time to practice necessary reading, writing and numeracy skills? This is totally impractical. These people have come to our country (America) and it is their job to get integrated into our society, learn our language and follow our culture.
Another claim that Ms. Addams makes is that the schools should teach the children the culture that is “world-wide”, rather than “just a provincial” (Addams, 1908, p.26). She claims, that it would safeguard them against prison where a big portion of immigrant children end up. This claim is detached from reality. I guess, the world-wide standards are the same for schools – to teach literacy to the children: math, reading, science, and writing. If you teach children literacy, they have the necessary skills to go into workforce and develop pride in their quality work. If they have work, they don’t have a need to venture into mischief and eventually end up in prison. All in all, there is no evidence that integrating the immigrant culture into our schools will help the children be better prepared for work life and safe them from prison.
Reference Addams, J. (1908). The Public School & the Immigrant Child. Retrieved from https://educ820in2015.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/addams-1908-the- public-school-and-the-immigrant-child.pdf
Otherwise, due to the ‘knowledge’ received at school, children become arrogant and get out of the parental control. - Educate in culture (open-mindness) by the world-wide standards, rather than just a province (Addams, 1908, p.26) -
