First off, Daphne, ditto on the "thank you for broaching this topic."

I've not considered this in the same way you have outlined.  Wow is right...
wow...

Once a sense of community has been established, I think it *is* something
that would be important to bring up more in classes, in other social
situations.  But there is huge risk (my opinion) -- of triggering responses
(as others have indicated -- of triggering reliving of trauma for victims
-- but also I think it might escalate the fear factor and the mistrust
factor, and I'm never sure if that's a good thing.  Our world increasingly
thrusts examples of actions I'd like to believe aren't true in our face (on
TV, radio, internet, all forms of media, and 24/7.  Hope and trust in fellow
humans is sometimes challenging for me to find.  And yet without hope,
without a sense of trust, I feel less of a person.

The three times I've had knowledge (rather than 'just' suspicion)
of incidents of violence/abuse involving learners in classes I was
facilitating/teaching, all left me feeling inadequate to deal with the
situation, dissatisfied with my actions, limited referrals.

I believe strongly in intentional dialogues and the power they have to spark
positive change or action in people.  But I beleive equally that I am not
prepared to cope with all of the resulting trauma that may be triggered.
So, I question strongly whether it is 'correct' to intentionally raise the
red flags --
Despite this, I more of than not *will* bring up such topics/issues/ethical
dilemmas... most often in a "no answer is necessarily right or wrong" PBL
(problem-based learning) sort of activity -- frequently using case studies
and drama theory applications and guest speakers (from relevant
service/survivor groups).

A worthwhile topic and certainly one for reflection...
holly


-- 
Holly (Dilatush)
ESOL Coordinator/Facilitator/Instructor
ABA Virtual Learning Center
Charlottesville, VA USA
holly at dilatush.com
(434) 960.7177 cell phone
(434) 295.9716 home phone
[OK to call 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST / GMT -5 time]

"Live with intention. Share inside~out smiles, inspire hope, seek awe and
nurture in nature."  (original by Holly)

Plan to attend TESOL 2009!   http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/convention2009/

My presentation: Exploring Intercultural Communication and Conflict
Resolution Through Drama; Reflecting Online:
3/28/2009 at 12:30 PM in room 603 at the Colorado Convention Center.

http://tales-around-the-world.blogspot.com
http://abavirtual-learningcenter.org
http://blogblossoms.edublogs.org
*Twitter and Skype IDs = smilin7
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