[NIFL-WOMENLIT:2415] Re: % of lgbt in adult literacy

From: Andres Muro (AndresM@epcc.edu)
Date: Fri Nov 15 2002 - 20:20:33 EST


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From: "Andres Muro" <AndresM@epcc.edu>
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Subject: [NIFL-WOMENLIT:2415] Re: % of lgbt in adult literacy
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I am not sure if you are asking as a student, or as an administrator. However, any time an instructor talks about things unrelated to the purpose of the class, and is unable to show the students how a topic relates to the content of the class, that instructor needs help. A student who feels that the instructor spends too much time talking about unrelated topics, may approach the instructor, or supervisor and ask them to address the matter. Students may not have self confidence to do this. However, if the supervisor observes the instructor talking about things unrelated to instruction, she/he may coach the instructor on strategies to make instruction more relevant. 

Having said that, I remind you that straight people spend their lives talking, making references, relating anecdotes, etc of things that happen to them. Straight people tend not to notice because they assume that this is completely normal. An instructor may and often does make a reference to his/her opposite sex partner, daily, and nobody would notice. However, if  
a gay person makes reference to a same sex partner once or twice, he/she is forcing his/her lifestyle on straight people. 

It is very possible that some people hear the instructor talk about a same sex partner frequently, and they perceive that this person is forcing his/her lifestyle on others. May be, this person is simply trying to exert the same right that everyone else has, and feel as normal and accepted as possible. 

In other words, what you are asking is difficult to address, since it is hard to measure if a glbt is making references like anyone else do, or he/she is getting of topic/focus. Either way, openness, tolerance and making the best to learn from the experience of other is the best policy.

Andres
>>> skowroba@email.uc.edu 11/15/02 05:23PM >>>
So far this conversation has primarily focused on the identification of 
students that are lgbt, and I'd like to ask a serious question that twists 
the focus around: What do you suggest students do when the instructor 
identifies him/herself as lgbt during class and regularly (meaning every 
class meeting) makes references to his/her sexuality in course through 
statements and anecdotes that are totally off the course topic?

As I typed the above I realized that it is likely, as Andres and others 
have pointed out, that non-lgbt instructors may do this on a regular basis 
as well - but I haven't experienced or been told about said instructors 
sharing intimate details about back rubs or insurance choices (among other 
things).

I appreciate all suggestions either to the listserv or to my email address: 
skowroba@email.uc.edu 


Bernadine


Bernadine Skowronski
skowroba@email.uc.edu 



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