We all have opinions regarding the controversial topics that we've been discussing this semester. It is impossible to study issues like the war in Iraq, the death penalty, abortion, gay marriage, etc without dissagreeing with someone. These personal beliefs that you have formed, and are in the process of forming, have been shaped by a variety of forces. Our families, peer groups, and our location in America all have an influence on why we believe the way we do.
With that being said, I also have opinions on these subjects. I try very hard not to tell you my own stances in the hopes that you will be able to base your opinions on OBJECTIVE information. If I told you guys my opinions on Iraq, Gay Marriage, ect would you be more likely to feel the same way I do?
Blog Question: Should teachers make an attempt to always teach objectively? In other words, should a teacher present both sides of the issue equally and not express their own personal beliefs? OR Is it acceptable for a teacher to express their own beliefs and bias while teaching?
58 comments:
Woohoo! First to post...
We, the students of your government class, are at the age which we care very much of what others' think of us, and seek the approval of everyone. I, personally, hate having anyone dislike me and try to restrain myself so that people would accept me.
On the other hand, I embrace honesty. I really like this blogging project because I've actually got all the time and space in the world to fully explain my ideas. In order to do that, yes, I need all viewpoints and all the facts, and once I have them, I do not mind if a teacher expresses his/her own opinions along with the supporting evidence. This would not affect the way that I think because we are not in a fascist-dictatorship country, but a country that rightfully respects the freedom of everyone.
Anyone, those who form their "own (subjective) opinions" just to get a teacher's good side truly isn't learning; they're just suck-ups. :P
This is strictly from my point of view as a student at Fairview. As a conservative in a very liberal school, I don't feel as awkward and out of place when my teachers draw out both viewpoints on certain issues. Also, I think it's good for us, as students, to know -why- there is a conflict over a certain issue. Teaching objectively arms us with the knowledge of both sides, therefore making it easier for us to see where the other side is coming from, as well as helping us form our own opinions.
I suppose it depends on how fiercely a teacher tries to press their point when expressing their own opinions. Teachers are people too; they're entitled to their own opinions, and have more freedom of speech than students do. Just tossing the idea out there is fine; but, for example, forcing a Christian student to write a paper on the Big Bang is a bit much.
Teachers should, for the most part, be objective. Yes, teachers are people too, and yes, they have opinions, and true, they do encourage students to share our own beliefs, but kids are easily influenced by authority figures, even if it is subconciously. Not only that, but kids who don't agree with the teacher's standpoint are more likely to feel alienated if the majority of students and the teacher are all agreeing on one view point.
Although some opinions it is fine to make public, personal political and religious beliefs should not be shared. Not only can they make some students feel left out, but they can also anger students who are fiercely opposed to the viewpoint, or cause a lack of respect towards that teacher.
I think that teachers should teach objectively because some people in the class have different points of view than others or maybe then the teacher and some students may feel that they are pressured into a different belief because the majority of the classroom feels that way and even more so if the teacher feels that way. The pressure to get good grades is high and some students may believe that if they don't believe the same thing as the teacher they are both wrong and might also not get the good grade. Even though this sounds completely insane, some students do feel that pressure. On the same lines, showing both sides fairly helps up to learn to see both sides and then make a fair decision based on what we believe. For these reasons, I think that teachers, while they have their own beliefs, should strive to teach objectively and show both sides fairly to their students so that their students can try to make their beliefs on their own which is hard when they have so many different beliefs being pushed on them from outside.
~Annika Peterson
I believe teachers should generally teach as objectively as possible when what they are saying has the purpose of informing the students. It is the fairest way to teach, and allows the students leeway to make up their own minds.
That being said, I also believe that absolute objectivity is unattainable. I don’t think its bad when teachers give their opinions while teaching. It may affect what some students think, but teachers have the right to present issues and information the way they want to, or the best way they see fit. Furthermore, when it is obvious that a teacher gives an opinion, it sparks students’ imaginations and forces thought on a different level or from a different perspective, and may allow a student to discover their own opinion on the topic.
Soren Frykholm
I believe that in truth, it is not the teachers responsibility or right to press their views on students. i agree with soren in that teachers should be as objective as possible.
But to be honest a teacher cannot be perfectly objective, and at times a teachers opinion will often offer students new insight or a new angle to see a issue from. I think the main issue is that teachers have the right to their opinions too, but students do not go to school to have those views constantly thrown in their face, they go to learn about both sides of the issue
I believe that teachers should not be allowed to talk about their opinion in class. Although many people argue that it is not forcing it upon the students, it is still making them hear it. Teenagers are easily impressionable. We will, for the most part, pick up what is said in class, and start to believe it. If a teacher gives an opinion for a subject, and then gives reason for their opinion, the students may start to believe them. I think that people should make desisions from their own beliefs and experiences. It is true that almost everyone is influenced by others, but teachers should not be one of those people. Teachers are meant to give every side of an issue, and saying their opinions would just make the other side seem worse.
Also, their is the worry of getting a bad grade if the teacher has a different opinion than a student. The teacher should DEFINITLY NOT make a student feel like they cannot disagree with the teacher and also get a good grade. That would be forcing the teacher's opinions on the students.
On the other hand, it is sometimes hard to keep all yours opinions to yourself. There will be slips, and that is perfectly OK. It is most likely immpossible to teach completely objectively. However, teachers should try their best to accieve it.
Teachers should be allowed to present their opinions, but not as part of their teaching.
In other words, students should first learn the facts surrounding controversial issues. They then can form their own opinions on the subject. During a class debate or discussion, teachers should be allowed to mention their opinions, as long as they present the other side of the argument. A disagreement or conflict causes each side to question their arguments. However, teachers should never “teach” opinions to the class.
Subjects are controversial because there are arguments in defense of both sides, and both sides seem plausible. Teachers can state their opinions, but they should remind students that there is no “right” side. In general, teachers should avoid stating their opinions in order to avoid influencing students.
There are also some gray areas concerning what is "fact" and what is "opinion," especially in science - ranging from evolution to, as Hannah mentioned, the Big Bang. Concerning these issues, the teachers can teach the facts - what scientists believe to be true. The science behind these topics is not "opinion," but information gathered from material evidence. Although there are opposing viewpoints, the facts remain - as facts.
~Elisabeth Meyer
I think that teachers can share thier opinions, but with a few givens. I think that the teacher should adress both sides of the argument. Also the teacher should not preach, or try to enforce things upon thier students, leave it up to the students to decide what they think
I think that teacher can share thier opinions as long as they introduce both sides and make shure they dont preach to the student to try to change thier beliefs, leave that up to the students because many people at our age are still very impressionable
Teachers should teach as objectively as they can because students are easily influenced by other people's views. Teachers, being figures of authority, can easily change students' opinions (particularly concerning modern day political, environmental, social, and economic issues) in that they introduce and elaborate on these issues. The information gained in class is key to understanding such problems, and thus greatly influences decisions and points of view.
Of course, we are hugely influenced by people outside of school, primarily our parents. However, I feel that parents expressing their opinions to their children does not impress students negatively, for we base our opinions and ideas on our childhood - what we were raised to believe is important. Someone raised with abusive parents, for example, will have slightlyy different views on strength, respect, and responsibility than a a person raised in a calmer environment. Thus parent's opinions simply help to determine who chilren are (though they may not agree with them) for "children are a map of their parents." Other figures, however, like teachers, can unfairly influence students' views.
I think teachers should share opinions but only in certain situations and not get into the detail of their views. Or if not possible, be nuetral to all opinions that the class presents.
I think that as kids we are more likely to side with what the teacher beleives, becasue of how students think it will impact their grade. Its better for the teachers to keep their opinions short and sweet if they express their views at all.
Personally I don't think that a teacher's views would affect my views at the moment. However a few years ago I know they would have. If you don't know everything from an objective point of view first, then knowing what you think is much harder.
If a teacher really wanted to let people know then I didn't think I would have a problem with that. Then I realised that the teacher could disagree with me and decided I prefer not knowing. It would be hard disagreeing with the teacher and sticking to what you thought. So I would agree that the best way of doing things is teaching the facts and letting people decide for themselves.
When discussing a controversial topic where there is no right answer the teacher should let the students decide towards which side they lean to. This helps the students decide for themselves and create their own beliefs which then leads to creating their own character. If the teacher(authority figure) tells the students his/her beliefs then the student's decision making process is greatly influenced, not by the facts but by private beliefs. THe teacher should teach both sides of the argument and the reason for both of them and let the student interpret the situation as he/she pleases, after that the teacher may explain his view. This helps the student learn to interpret things by him/herself and also learn how others view problems differently. In conclusion i believe that teaching objectively is better for the student because it makes them bale to learn how to think and interpret things for themselves aand not based on outside influences.
I believe that teachers should be able to express their own opinions in the process of teaching their students. Learning objectively is always appreciated, and is a respected viewpoint; however, learning from a subjective point of view can be an amusing experience. As a stubborn person, I enjoy arguments. On top of that, I enjoy winning arguments even more. As a result, my desire to prove myself as a student will drive me to learn more and develop a need for a political stance.
In addition, listening to other people's opinions is also a way to learn different aspects of an issue. Despite the common belief that teens are greatly influenced by their teachers, I believe that kids have their own beliefs which are yet to be discovered. Unless a teacher pushes them into their political beliefs, their subjective viewpoints should not have an effect on the students.
I honestly don't mind if a teacher shares their own opinions on the issues at hand. However, with that said, I would like to point out how very important it is to help students understand both sides of the argument. It is imperative that we know both sides of an issue before forming an opinion. Comprehension is the first step.
If the teacher objectively explains both sides, I do not see any harm in sharing their opinion as long as the teacher is not trying to peddle these beliefs onto the students themselves. It actually helps learning if you are exposed to different viewpoints because each side obviously has a reason for what they believe in, and it helps to shed some light on those parts that an objective viewpoint may not address.
--Lili Bolton
First of all, unless the teacher feels they would really like to share their opinions with the class, they shouldn't have to share their personal opinions if they don't want to, that's just unfair to teachers. So even if it was made that when questioned the teacher must answer with their opinion, I think that that's not right.
I know that I wouldn't base my decisions and opinions off of what my teacher thinks because I think I should be able to go with my gut, even if it is in disagreement with my teacher. As Mr. N pointed out, there's the choice to make to jump onto the bandwagon of your teacher in order to get an A or sticking with your own opinion, even if it means you'll get a B. Although the teachers opinion does help to give some perspective on the subject, I don't think that means you should unwillingly agree. I don't think that teachers should have to give their opinions because even though it wouldn't effect my own decision, it may for many other students.Teachers should not have to give their opinions to their classes because it gives the student a chance to find out what it's like to gather information in order to make a well-supported opinion based off of facts, not the open position for "teacher's pet".
The idea that we as students will worship the word of our teachers is bogous. I think that the idea of kids being impressioned by their teachers to the point where they only believe what their teachers believe is rediculous, impossible, and in my mind originally the words of some over-protective parent afraid their child will only believe what some teacher with viewpoints differnt than the parent believes.
First, I'll prove this situation just isnt realistic. People are worried that since kids are so impressionable, the ideas of their teachers will be branded into their brains. But what about all the other things making impression on kids these days? All the shows on T.V., advertisments everywhere, our parents, and even where we live. All these things sape people's political views; all these things tell people what to believe and what not to believe. If political candidates are allowed to run comercials telling people that they're the right one, and that other candidates views are wrong, and run these ads on public T.V. stations that kids see, then why can't a teacher express his or her opinions when asked.
We also aren't talking about tourturing children into believing what they (teachers) want, we're just talking about allowing teachers to say thier opinions. If you are worried about being unfairly impressioned by your teachers, then unless no one ever espresses their opinoins (in the way I'm talking about) around you...ever, then I think you're being hypocritical and unjust to teachers. There are so many things that leave impressions on us every day, especially our parents, that it has gotten to the point where we are no longer protecting our children (I don't believe we ever were though), but instead unfairly restraining our educators.
And besides, we're sold on so many things by people telling us what's right and what isn't, style, music, cars, homes, clothes, the list goes on and on. We're already sold political views everyday in thousands of ways, and not letting teachers express themselves (they aren't imposing their ideas) is just wrong at this point.
I think the bottom line is that this is no longer an issue that should even be debated. We arent proposing that teachers tell students what to think, just that they would be allowed to say thier opinoins. And as kids, we are told what to believe almost every waking minute, so letting teachers verbalize their opinoins isn't going to hurt anyone.
I think that teachers should be allowed to freely express their opinion in high school. The fact that we are in high school; the "so called" growing up stage of our teenage life is precisily why we should be able to make our own decisions, without influence by others. We high schoolers should also learn to recognize that there are other opinions besides our own, of which we should accept but we do not have to agree with them.
Further more, the first amendment states that we as Americans are entitled to freedom of speech so anyone including teachers should be allowed to freely express their view. As long as the techer does not emphisize he/she's point to the class or try to convince them of it, it should simply be seen as an opinion. In conclusion I believe that freedom of speech is an esential to America and should be treated like one, including in allowing teachers to express their views on everyday situations.
I think teachers should not teach their opinions because that may influence the students' beliefs. However, I do think that it is acceptable for teachers to voice their opinions outside of the lesson. In other words, as long as teachers teach objectively and have good arguments for both sides, I think it is interesting for them to add their opinions into discussions.
As a highschool student, I have formed opinions on many subjects. The issues that I'm not sure about wouldn't be decided just by the teacher's opinion. I think that I am old enough to look at both sides of an issue and make my own decision. This would be different for younger kids, but I think highschoolers are less impressionable and there are so many other factors influencing them. One issue with teachers sharing their opinions is that students may be more likely to argue the teacher's side to get a good grade. This should not be an issue because teachers should not be influenced by that. A teacher should not put a student in a situation where they felt pressured to have a certain opinion.
Nicole Buggy
I believe that is extremely vital to express both sides of the subject. That's how we solve problems and it helps us understand other's point of views. If we were to only hear one side of the story we as people would be very misguided because we would only believe what we hear. So, it is helpful for teachers to express both sides of the controversy.
For instance, since the teenage population is so concerned on what other people think and not being different we tend to just accept what others say to avoid being regetted. When teachers state both opinions it's easier to create our own beliefs on the issue. But I don't think that it would be wrong if teachers expressed their thoughts, due to freedom of speech. It's just a better idea to tell each side.
I believe that teaching objectively is the best way to cope with difficult and controversial topics. However, the teacher shouldn't make too much of an effort to not state their opinion, because this could stall further discussion of the topic. It is up to the teacher to use discretion in stating their opinion and leave the students to make their own decision. Students learn better if they can relate their opinions to the topic, thereby making it necessary for the teacher to encourage the student to form opinions. This might be difficult to demonstrate if they don't share their own.
However, I think if the teacher states their opinion too often, the students might think that to get an A, they must agree with their teacher's views. It is up to the all the teachers in the history department at schools to set up their own ground rules for this. They have to ensure that each student feels comfortable expressing their opinion. I think the fairest way to go about this is for the teacher to subtly state their own opinion after the students have formed their own. Also, the teacher should offer counter arguments after a student makes a very one-sided comment. All in all, I think that although the general guideline is to teach objectively, teachers must not let this rule dictate their curriculum.
I believe that the most effective way for a student to base his/her beliefs is to not hear the side of his/her teacher but to look inside of themselves to find what they think is right. But kids should not have to listen to their teachers opinions on things that may offend them.
But really why should it sway my opinion on being democrat or republican based on what my teacher believes. I'm one of the few people in my government class who is republican what is one more democrat going to do to sway my opinion that the other thirty didn't. If we have to say what we believe why shouldn't we get the right to know where our teachers are coming from. As long as the teacher clearly states their opinion instead of preaching to a class full of easily-influenced people.
While teaching a class teachers should try their best to leave their point of views out of the discussion and focus on a unbiased point of view. While teachers might not always be able to keep their opinions so in certain cases it would be appropriate. Such as when a teacher is trying to prove a point.
Teachers should keep their opinion a secret because kids tend to be influenced more by an adult and it would ruin the debates. Teachers should not say their opinion on issues because it might also make students want feel pressured into believe they need to believe in the same opinions or their grades would be impacted. As teachers it is their responsibility to get information out from both sides when you show you point of view it makes students kind of wonder what really are the point of views of the opposition.
My response to this question is very simple. I think teachers should teach as objectively as possible. We are at an age where we are encouraged to make our own decisions and when teachers teach an issue a certain way according to their opinions we don't have all the facts to form our own opinions about.
Being a conservative in a very liberal school I have already experienced this in other classes. Learning something from one point of view is never a good idea because then you don't have all the facts. I think forming an opinion has to do with looking at all the facts weighing them out and coming to a decision or maybe staying undecided. The most helpful teachers are the ones that help us come to that decision by showing us everything and not trying to sway us one way or another.
This topic effects all schools across the world and is a huge topic. Students see teachers every day and they can play a role in what kids think. I think that teachers should be able to tell there opinions, but I don't think that they should express it too much. The should be able to tell but not force it upon the students. They should never make the students feel pressured to have there opinion. Also teachers should always tell the other side of the argument too. Also there should be a age limit for this too. Its not right if a teacher convinces third graders that they should be liberal. Overall I feel that teachers can express their opinion, but they have to tell the other side of the argument and shouldn't be forcing their opinions on little kids.
This is an interesting topic because there is a very fine line between teaching your views and just letting them be known to the class. Personally, I think that a teacher should be allowed to express their views under certain conditions:
-They must not force their views on the issue.
-They can only present known/proven facts.
-They also present an alternate or conflicting argument.
I think that completely disallowing teachers to express their views could hinder their teaching abilities. For example, its hard to teach lessons in history such as in World War II and the Holocaust or the Ku Klux Klan effectively without some personal input having to do with moral values and general opinion.
TYLER OLLANIK
I think teachers should beable to express there opnion on the issue that is brought up. I think that they should say what they need to and not let there idea hav anything to do with ther grading at all.
I also think that when or if teachers express there opnion it should be strictly with no religous views on things that is because you could offend peoples belifs.
I beleive that the teacher keeping a fair stance on subjects that are as controversial as the ones mentioned, keeps the class fun for all of the students in the class. If the teacher started siding with one side or the other, people may change their minds if they were suck-ups or just wanting to get a good grade. Teachers keeping a fair stance on subjects makes arguments that are good for the class even if the class is all for or against the subjects. I believe that the teacher keeping a fair stance on all of the subjects is good for everyone. I would like, sometimes, say at the end of the semester, for the teacher to tell his/her stance on some of the subjects. You would find out a more reaserched (probably) stance on the subject and it might make you doubt if your decision was good. If you doubt and then research and then decide that your idea was the best it makes your stance on the subject stronger.
I think that a teacher can tell the class there opinions. I don’t see any harm in it. Since we are kids we might see it as something that we have to believe in and agree with you on the test, but for me I know that I wouldn't do that.
A teacher should not be all for his/her side. He/she should be able to talk about both sides and have arguments for and against both sides. This way you definitely wouldn't pressure kids to believe your way.
I believe that teachers should be objective. I think that children our age are influenced easily and can take a teachers opion very seriously. I believe that some opions are ok to make known (voting age):however, i believe personal political views and religous views they should keep unknow.
I, Tobias Albrigtsen, think that teachers should not tell his or her students about their views. The students need a chance to choose on their own. At young ages children are very influenced by their teachers. It is good to show a non biest side so that they can choose what they think is the best.
As the children get older and are not a influenced, then i think it a little more ok with me.
The down side of teachers telling their students about their beliefs is that the students might be pressured into writing what they do not think and that i think is really bad.
ha mr. N! I finally got it figured out!!
Teachers should present information that is based on fact so that students can then form their own opinions on issues. In doing this, students are presented with information that is basically true and have the freedom to interpret the facts in anyway they choose. Teachers should teach information not influenced by personal belief.
However, a teacher should be able to state their opinion during a discussion. During discussion, students hear ideas that they themselves may not have come up with. This allows students to have a better understanding of an issue by allowing them to hear what different people believe and how they regard the issue. If a teacher chooses to state his or her opinion during discussion, it allows students to hear a perspective they may not have thought of and can further a student’s understanding of an issue. A teacher stating an opinion is not much different from a student stating an opinion when debating.
Teachers should present information that is not influenced by their opinions, but it is appropriate for a teacher to say their opinion during a discussion where different points of view are encouraged.
-Hannah Russek
I think that teachers can express their opinions for the most part, but they must do this without being bias. I don't think that kids will be influenced that much by one persons opinion. I agree with Hannah because everyone is entitled to an opinion and if they want to share that opinion, fine, but if not, no big deal.
I think that teachers can express their opinions for the most part, but they must do this without being bias. I don't think that kids will be influenced that much by one persons opinion. I agree with Hannah because everyone is entitled to an opinion and if they want to share that opinion, fine, but if not, no big deal.
I think it is okay for teachers to present their opinion to the class with a few restraints. First of all, they should not be preaching to the class. Second, the teacher should be able to back up their reasoning and opinion. Last, the students should be presented with both sides of the argument.
Overall, i think it is perfectly fine but as freshman our opinions can be formed from what we hear, true or not. This happens especially if we here information or opinions from our teacher. So it is fine only if the teacher is not pushing his or her opinion and not trying to convince anyone of anything.
I think that not telling the class your political opinion makes a lot of sense in most places. It can be intimidating to tell the class your view on a complicated issue, and if you know that the teacher disagrees with you than the motivation to speak is practically non existent. Given that teachers have a position of authority, and a position that usually demands a large degree of respect, disagreeing with the teacher can be even more intimidating.
Teachers are also put in a unique position to influence the core beliefs and opinions of their students. From an early age, we have learned to accept what a teacher says as the truth. This gives a teacher the ability to tell us most anything, with the guarantee that we will at least consider it. Granted, as we get older, this influence grows less and less, but it is still worrying.
I believe that teachers, as all people do, sometimes share their beliefs even if they don't always mean to. I greatly appreciate that we aren’t direct told what to believe or are influenced by our teachers to have certain political stances or beliefs in general. And although that is great I think it would also be a great opportunity to have a debate with our beliefs and see what the opposing stance is from and adult’s point of view.
Then again there are always extremists who make students feel uncomfortable with sharing their views if the teacher does not believe in the same thing. Some are afraid to get a bad grade or some are nervous to get publicly humiliated by a teacher. I guess what I am trying to say is that I believe if a teacher teaches a curriculum where they equally represent both sides of a topic and then expresses their view after discussion of the topic it should be accepted but if a teacher is always partial to their side of a topic and not treating the other view fairly it would be unjust and shouldn't be allowed.
~Mariam Johnson
I think that teachers should be able to express thier own op-pinions. I have never felt influenced by teachers, and i think that, as long as they are not forcing you to agree with them, it is fine that they express them. Also, as long as both sides are presented to the teachers argument, I think it is fine.
I believe that in a classroom setting, teachers should never express their opinion. This does not mean that they cannot say that the killing of innocent people is a bad thing – common givens must be taken into account. However, in context of the complicated and certainly controversial issues that we discuss openly in class, teachers should not be the ones to state their beliefs.
I am not in agreement with those who believe that the teachers-pet-suck-up-A-getting people are the only ones who would change their beliefs to side with their teacher. I know for a fact that at least a handful of the students in class would feel uncomfortable and immediately let their hand (which was about to be raised) hesitate if the teacher suddenly stated an opinion that was not their own. The debates and discussions from then on would be simply awkward. This is because no one wants to be unfairly judged by their teacher, and it’s tough to tell what the teacher would say or do if his/her students contradict him/her.
All things considered, I think the most logical way to teach is without the slightest intimidation, and because statement of opinion from a teacher could cause this intimidation, it should not happen at all.
~Anita Castillo-Halvorssen
I believe teachers should try to teach as objectively as possible, especially when the topic being taught is one that could easily influence the opinions of the students. This approach to teaching is probably the safest and fairest way for teachers to present hard topics to students that may be very impressionable. However I also believe it depends on the age of the students being taught. If you are an elementary or middle school teacher it is probably best to present information objectively because many students may not have their minds made up, or are very impressionable and just want to fit in. If you are a college professor and are teaching very mature students that are capable of forming their own opinions, then maybe you do want to bring up your own opinion to allow the students to view the subject in a different way. It just depends on who you are teaching.
Personally, I don't like it when a teacher speaks openly about their beliefs. I think that I'm more likely to be influenced by a teacher's views than a student's. When a teacher openly shares their opinion on a subject that maybe I disagree with, I always feel sort of uncomfortable.
I also think that it is important that the teacher keeps their opinions to themselves because it makes it easier for them to share both sides of the issue. The point of teaching us about politics is not that we'll all share the teachers opinion, but rather so that we can form our own.
Personally, I believe it is perfectly ok for a teacher to share their beliefs if it does not affect how they teach. The teacher should be allowed to share their opinion at the end of the unit, after all the facts have been presented as objectively as possible. In this world people have opinions, and that's just how life is. Isn't the point of school to prepare us for the "real world"?
I understand what people mean when they say we are at a young and impressionable age, but if we didn't want to be influenced, I don't think we would go to school at all. It is a major different when a teacher mentions in passing what they think, as opposed to them telling us they are right and if anyone else says anything different they're wrong. I'm not saying its ok for them to force their stances upon us, just for them to declare their opinion to us.
Generally, I don't think teachers should share thier viewpoints with the class. Objectivity is impossible, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't strive for it. We as teenagers all know that everyone has thier biases - that's just a fact of life. But for a teacher to tell us outright his or her opinions is very innappropriate. Even if it is subconcious (I hope I spelled that right), there will undoubtely be teachers who give better grades to kids that agree with them then kids who don't.
Yes, everyone has the right to free speech. But as young people, many of whom have yet to form very solid opinions on a cornucopia of issues, we should be subjected to both sides of everything. It might be fun if for every subject we had one Liberal and one Conservative teaching :-), but besides that, if there is no one to give the counterargument, I must be disapproving of non-objectivity in the classroom.
This is a very hard point to argue.
There is no yes or no answer on this question... It's one of those lovely “gray area” ones.
Teachers have a right to share their own opinions on topics such as the ones we have been discussing in class. It's very true that kids are highly impressionable, but I believe that if the information is still delivered in a straightforward, objective way, it should be allowed for teachers to express their opinions.
Basically, I believe that it's fine to do, as long as you're not preaching. There's a difference between mentioning that you're against abortion and giving the class a lecture on how you think abortion is wrong.
I think that at an age like this, a lot of people are old enough to decide for themselves what they believe in. Even if they're not, they have to be ready for the world. It's not like everything in politics is shown from a neutral stance. Actually, hardly anything in politics is shown from a neutral stance... students need to learn to pick a side and stand for what they believe in.
There are other influences all around Fairview. I think almost any student will listen to their friends’ point of view more than their teachers’.
So I guess for me the bottom line is: I don’t know. I don’t think all teachers should or should not tell you their political opinions. I think it depends largely on the context of the situation and the degree of which the teacher’s view is discussed.
So leave it as it is, teachers can decide for themselves whether they think it’s right or not.
I think that what information a teacher gives to a person, weather it's flat out facts or their own opinions, depends on how strongly a person stands on their decisions. If someone is confident in what they believe, I think teachers should try to be as objective as they can at first. Then once they have given and equal amount of pros and cons to the situation, they can express some of their views on what's going on.
If someone is not very strong in what the problem is, i think it would be unfair to have an authority figure giving them their own opinion, that could be translated into what they think is a fact. Kids can be "influenced easily" and it's not fair to them to have someone camapaigning for something they believe in.
I personally believe that in a higher level classroom situation, it can elevate the discussion if the teacher pitches in and adds his/her opinion. But I feel that this can only be done if, prior to giving the opinion, the teacher gave a neutral explanation of both sides of the argument and also defended both sides.
But, although I do believe that it is Ok, I also feel that if time comes for a student to write a paper, he or she might be tempted to, instead of voicing his/her own opinion, just writing what the teacher wants to hear. That is the only downside, I feel, to the teacher giving his opinion.
I think that teachers should share their opinions if they want. I think that most freshman have probably made up their mind about most of these subjects already, and that the teacher sharing their own views is perfectly reasonable. I think that these views should not affect a student's grade, because then everyone would agree with the teacher to get a good grade, but I think that for the sake of a discussion, the teacher should throw their own opinion into the mix.
I personally believe that teachers should try their very hardest to teach objectively, explaining both sides evenly. While I do realize that is difficult to be completely objective and hide your opinion completely, teachers should make a conscious effort not to. Hearing both sides of all issues is the best method of learning. We should be allowed to form our own opinions without persuasion. Also, knowing that your teacher beliefs differently than you on certain subjects could cause you to be afraid to voice your thoughts in case they grade you down for it.
Particularly high school and middle school teachers shouldn't tell their students their opinions, and they should definitely not preach to them. These groups are at the age where they can understand the topics and are forming their opinions and i believe that a teacher's beliefs would greatly persuade them.
I believe there should be diversity in teaching. Although it may affect our own opinions, teachers should be able to share their views with their students. It could even help us develop our own strong opinions, whether they agree with the teacher's or not. An instructor displaying an example of how one might feel about a certain issue could certainly strengthen our learning experience.
However, this could affect the way a teacher grades a student, which is entirely unfair. The teacher should be able to express their feelings without using them against someone. I suppose even if they're not discussing their opinions with the class, they still possess them and could use them against the student, which shouldn't happen under any circumstances.
I believe that teachers should be able to express their opinion as long as they state contradictory opinions at the same time. But before they state their opinion they should give the facts so the students can make their own ideas about the topic. Then the teacher states his opinion and other’s opinions so the students get an idea of what other people’s views are. It is import, however, that the teacher doesn’t make his view widely supported by the class because the class just wants a good grade.
-Nick Vincent
If the teacher stayed neutral, then I think I would have a much easier time telling my opinions. Honesty is very important. However, I don't think I would speak my mind freely if my opinions were different than the teachers'. I would feel like I was disrespecting him/her. How would you feel if you were a lawyer defending against the death penalty when the judge that you are talking to is for the death penalty? I think the teacher should argue with the students to make us think about different views. However, if they state their thoughts and opinions, it might come out like a persuasive statement. We are supposed to learn to be independent from families and teachers to form our own views. If I am a teacher, I would never say my opinions. If I told my thoughts, there will always be few uncomfortable people.
If the teacher stayed neutral, then I think I would have a much easier time telling my opinions. Honesty is very important. However, I don't think I would speak my mind freely if my opinions were different than the teachers'. I would feel like I was disrespecting him/her. How would you feel if you were a lawyer defending against the death penalty when the judge that you are talking to is for the death penalty? I think the teacher should argue with the students to make us think about different views. However, if they state their thoughts and opinions, it might come out like a persuasive statement. We are supposed to learn to be independent from families and teachers to form our own views. If I am a teacher, I would never say my opinions. If I told my thoughts, there will always be few uncomfortable people.
I think that it is better to learn objectively, but it is also okay for our teachers to tell us their opinions. For educational purposes, it is best to learn about all the viewpoints, but it is okay to have one view and share it with people.
When we learn about both viewpoints, we can better understand where the other side comes from, and we can understand why they think the way they do. I think that it is okay for a teacher to share his/her opinion with the class, as long as they don't try to convince us that they are correct. We should respect each others views, but we should also know what their thought process is in decision making. So basically, I am okay with a teacher sharing their opinion, but I don't want to be pressured to think the same way. We need to learn both sides of the arguement before chosing a side, not just copy our teachers and peers.
Rick S.
I believe that teachers should be able to express their opinion, but not dwell on it. For example, a teacher could say: "I personally believe the death penalty is unconstitutional, but you guys can think whatever."
This allows the teacher to get his or her view out and does not force an idea onto the students. Everyone wins.
I honestly would rather have the teacher share their opinion on the subject because, one, they probably know more on the subject and have a more detailed and compelling argument. Two, teachers, even though they sometimes don't seem like it, are humans too. They should be allowed to express their opinion without feeling like it would change the opinions of others.
I do feel like teachers are forced to be a neutral party in order to engage the class in a heated debate. I think it would more fun to have the teachers opinion spoken too, to see what good arguments come about. Even though teachers have their opinion on an issue or subject, does not mean that the other side gets ignore. Sure, most people will agree with the teachers opinion but there will be some people who have other beliefs. I do not think that beliefs and bias get in the way of learning about a subject, I think it enhances it.
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