So, there have been a couple of times in my classes that I have recognized a certain piece of pop culture that my students have, be that a show, movie, book, or video game. For example, I have a student who is obsessed with Doctor Who, while I've caught another student drawing the symbols for the four nations of Avatar; there was even a student humming the bass line to "Seven Nation Army."
Obviously, these bits of pop culture are important to them, since they like enough to present it to the outside world. I feel the same way about the things that I like, so I tend to engage them in conversation about it. It's always funny watching their faces light up when they realize that I know what it is that they are drawing/talking about. I guess, to them, the 'older intern' shouldn't know about those kinds of things and it's cool when they do. I can tell you from experience that I have a better report with these students, since they know that I can relate to them on their level of interest.
Now, the point of this blog was not to make it sound like I'm the cool, hip intern with the inside scoop on what's trending, but rather to tell about my positive experience with relating to student interests. I know we've heard it in our professional classes already, but I can tell you it's definitely true. Once the students see that you're not this teaching machine that's so far removed from their world, they will begin to build a genuine relationship with you, which, of course, will mean better interactions in class!
Obviously, these bits of pop culture are important to them, since they like enough to present it to the outside world. I feel the same way about the things that I like, so I tend to engage them in conversation about it. It's always funny watching their faces light up when they realize that I know what it is that they are drawing/talking about. I guess, to them, the 'older intern' shouldn't know about those kinds of things and it's cool when they do. I can tell you from experience that I have a better report with these students, since they know that I can relate to them on their level of interest.
Now, the point of this blog was not to make it sound like I'm the cool, hip intern with the inside scoop on what's trending, but rather to tell about my positive experience with relating to student interests. I know we've heard it in our professional classes already, but I can tell you it's definitely true. Once the students see that you're not this teaching machine that's so far removed from their world, they will begin to build a genuine relationship with you, which, of course, will mean better interactions in class!