Estimated read time: 3 minutes 40 seconds
Earlier this year I had the honor of presenting a PD session for some teachers in western Massachusetts. Of course 😊, we were chatting about the benefits of using comprehensible readers and the particular potential to bring to the fore themes that may not often be discussed (though probably should be). While I can’t remember exactly how the conversation progressed, I do remember one teacher’s comment regarding themes of social justice. She said, not unkindly, something to the effect of, “We just can’t label it ‘social justice’. Kids can see through that.” Admittedly, I don’t remember the rest of the conversation (not a shocker for anyone my age!!😂), but I do remember the comment. And I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
According to ChatGPT (what a boon that chatbot is!), social justice is the concept of creating a fair and equitable society where all individuals have equal opportunities, rights, and access to resources, regardless of factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, or other characteristics. It emphasizes the elimination of systemic inequalities, discrimination, and injustices while promoting fairness, inclusivity, and respect for human dignity.
Many of the stories I write, including those used as course materials for the Idioma course graduate course I facilitate, include themes that can be considered ones under the umbrella of “social justice,” though I’d be hard-pressed to admit that I actively think “social justice” while writing. Instead, when I consider a story, I think about humans and their existence. And often the first humans I consider are the student readers of the stories, and always with the idea that “they don’t know what they don’t know” - again, not unkindly. Since the first story I wrote, that has been my main objective: to provide students a view of other humans about whom they may not have any idea - yet.
In my humble estimation, awareness and consideration of other humans and their unique realities allows for greater understanding and empathy - soft skills that are so necessary to navigate and survive this world, but ones that we often cast aside in favor of “box-checking,” “getting the right answer” and standardized test scores. That’s not to say those don’t have their place, but as a middle-aged adult, I find that the nuances of the softer skills go much further to achieve goals than the hard and fast, concrete abilities.
This past semester, I included a question on the final exam (in English) inviting students to ponder their learning - in my course or anywhere. I was delighted to read that many were grateful for having been introduced to the topic of undocumented immigration through the stories of José and Andrés in El viaje difícil and Debido a la tormenta, and that they were presented with a different view of an often hot-button topic in the United States. Awareness and consideration: ✔️. Opening students’ eyes and minds to other people’s realities: ✔️✔️. Having students reflect on something about which they knew little about previously: ✔️✔️✔️.
As world language teachers, we have the exceptional opportunity to offer our students the space to be curious (another characteristic that I find lacking in these post-pandemic undergrads), and to learn without fear of having to “get the right answer.” After all, language is dynamic and fluid, and in its essence exists for expression and to connect people; yet this connection is challenged without the awareness of one another. And again, students don’t know what they don’t know.
Back to the conversation that day at the professional development. We didn't solve the world’s ills by any stretch of the imagination, but I distinctly remember that we were all in agreement about taking advantage of the second-language classroom to inform and inspire our students to learn more about themselves and each other.
So, while “social justice” may not be the focus when I’m writing, people - whoever they are - are always top of mind.
People, man; it’s all about the people.
For more information about the graduate course I facilitate (or any other courses offered by Idioma, click the link in the text of this post. To learn more about my books, head over to my website, www.puenteslanguage.com. Finally, if you’re looking for a way to bring a whole library of books to your students in a cost-effective manner, please check out a Digilangua subscription. Bring awareness and understanding to your classroom.
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