TV and radio

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Home : 2001 : March : 28

TV and radio
By Cathy-Dee

I think as educators we do have an obligation to be role models as well as set guidelines for our students. As well we have to be aware of parental concerns and ensure we are not allowing students to view inappropriate materials.
It is difficult because many people feel that if you remove something or not allow it then you are censoring it, I however have no problem with censorship within school settings.
Now to comment on your actual question. I think if the talk shows, etc., have a specific topic or program that is beneficial for the student and works with the curriculum then it is fine to use.

As far as MTV and music stations, radios, CD players, etc., I think they should be limited. I check out these stations, etc., from time to time and some of the music and lyrics are just not appropriate. While we cannot control what kids do out of school, we can and should have some control in school. Same reason we set guidelines for internet use and do not want students to access certain sites on the internet. Now if a teacher has previewed a music selection and chooses to allow their students to listen to the music in class that shouldn't be a problem. And I also think it doesn't hurt to expose students to other forms of music, it does not always have to be the current popular music they listen to. I have used classical music, instrumental, easy listening, etc., and the students calm down and often have commented that they like the quieter music too, especially when they are doing work that requires more concentration.