01 Critical Awakening

If you're thinking to yourself, "Didn't I do this quest already in the Perspectives and Worldviews" section, you're right!

Skip this task if you've already done it.

Your Tasks:

1. Create or find a list of Communication Expectations for online discussion.

   1. • What is or isn't appropriate?

      • How should participation be assessed?

      • In what format should feedback from teacher/peers be provided?

      • What rules would you want enforced in order to allow for safe/respectful communication?

2. Watch Clint Smith's TedTalk. 

• In this video, Smith quotes an educator who says that education needs to be used a tool for critical awakening and shared humanity. “No one can be authentically human while he prevents others from being so.” 

• While you watch, pay attention not only to the powerful message, but also the speaker's craft, as he is certainly  both convincing and controlled.

3. Create a RESPONSE to the video. 

• This may be formatted as a forum post, blog entry, or written response. It will be assessed using the Reflective Response Rubric (below).

Students may want to use these questions for shape their reflections:  

• How does this change your idea of what it means to be a parent? How would parents raising a black boy in America need to make different choices than someone raising a white boy?  

• What is it about relating a childhood experience that makes this message so powerful? 

• How does this change your idea of what it means to have privilege?  

• If this doesn’t change your thinking at all, reflect on that. Is it because you disagree? Do you agree and have your own powerful experience you’d like to communicate?  

Extension Options : 

Rewatch and select some of Smith’s incredible metaphors and figurative language. Annotate the transcript (available on TED). How does Smith’s use of language shape/enhance our experience of his story and message?    

Submit in OneNote and let me know how many XP you've earned and why.