Holly,
I totally agree with you. We need to be very careful about what we intentionally bring up in the classroom. I don't think that adult literacy teachers should purposely broach topics that can be triggering-unless that is the purpose of the class (for example, a class on family violence), or unless there is a strong connection between the instructional services that are offered and counseling services. Sometimes, however these topics come up in the adult literacy classroom on their own, and that can make things difficult.
I am very interested in the problem based learning activities you describe below, and my guess is that others are as well. Can you tell us more about them?
Daphne


>>> "Holly Dilatush" <holly at dilatush.com> 12/20/08 11:25 PM >>>

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