Discussion on Stand and Deliver
1. Identifying Behaviors:
Teacher Behaviors:
- High Expectations: Jaime Escalante, the teacher, sets high academic standards for his students. This behavior showcases his belief that all students are capable of success, which motivates them to rise to his expectations.
- Engagement and Enthusiasm: Escalante demonstrates passion for mathematics and teaching, which helps engage students who may otherwise be disinterested.
- Trust and Support: He builds strong relationships with his students, demonstrating that he believes in them. This trust leads students to take risks in their learning and to succeed when they may have previously doubted themselves.
Student Behaviors:
- Defiance and Distrust: At the film's start, many students demonstrate a lack of motivation, disrespecting authority, and doubting their own capabilities. This behavior often stems from their socio-economic environment and previous negative educational experiences.
- Transformation and Engagement: As the movie progresses, students who were once disinterested become more engaged, showing determination and a strong desire to learn when they see Escalante's commitment to them.
Underlying Issues:
- Socio-economic Factors: Many students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, impacting their educational opportunities and self-esteem.
- Cultural Expectations: Students may feel pressure from their community regarding academic performance or feel that their potential is limited by stereotypes.
- Previous Educational Failures: Negative experiences in the education system can create a cycle of disinterest and low expectations among students.
2. Behavior Management Strategies:
- Building Relationships: The movie emphasizes the importance of the teacher-student relationship. Teachers can create an environment of trust and respect, which is vital for effective learning.
- Setting High Expectations: Expecting students to succeed can inspire them to rise to the challenge. Providing rigorous material paired with support can foster resilience and determination.
- Engaging and Relevant Curriculum: Teachers can adapt lessons to be more engaging and relevant to students’ lives, which can boost motivation and interest in the subject matter.
- Encouraging a Growth Mindset: Fostering an environment where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities can encourage students to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties.
3. Application in Papua New Guinea (PNG) Situations:
- Community Engagement: Teachers in PNG can work to build relationships with students and their families, involving the community in the educational process and addressing socio-cultural expectations.
- Culturally Relevant Teaching: Integrating local culture and context into the curriculum can make learning more relevant for students, similar to how Escalante incorporated his students' realities into math.
- Counseling and Mentorship: Establishing mentorship programs for students can help them navigate socio-economic challenges and feel supported in their academic journeys.
- Professional Development for Teachers: Training teachers in behavior management strategies that focus on student engagement and high expectations can empower them to make a significant impact in their classrooms.
- Celebrating Achievements: Recognizing student successes, no matter how small, can encourage positive behaviors and a sense of accomplishment, as demonstrated by Escalante throughout the film.
By applying these strategies, educators can create positive learning environments that foster student success in PNG, similar to the transformational impact seen in "Stand and Deliver."