Correcting teachers

[music17]

I go to a public high school, and sometimes when my teacher in social studies says wrong things about the Church. Not maliciously or anything, she just doesn’t know. For example, if the history book says someone was excommunicated for doing something, she might say that excommunication means you can never be a Catholic again. We’re going to be studying changes in Europe in a little bit, and that includes the Reformation. I can tell that subject might bring up some moe of these erroneous statements, so if that happens, should I correct her? I feel that i’d be rasing my hand prett frequently to do so if I had to. So, am I obligated to correct her during class? thanks

 

[BartholomewB]

Music

It might be more effective, as well as more diplomatic, to approach your teacher privately after class. And it probably wouldn’t be enough to tell her in your own words where she went wrong: better to have a book with you, by a reputable historian whose authority she would have to respect.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Perhaps you should write those things down. Be sure to write down exactly what the teacher said, not an approximation. Ask your parents, counselor, another trusted adult what they think about a teacher saying this in class.

 

[Crusaderbear]

Perhaps you should write those things down. Be sure to write down exactly what the teacher said, not an approximation. Ask your parents, counselor, another trusted adult what they think about a teacher saying this in class.

Talk to the teacher first, going behind their back is dishonest and reflects poorly on you, the teacher is a professional and deserves to be treated as such.

 

[Allegra]

Assuming you were polite, waited for an appropriate time, and raised your hand first, I don’t think most teachers would mind a correction of the statement you mentioned. However, if it gets excessive (more than twice a class period) you could have a problem. You aren’t really obligated to say anything, however, if you really want to, you could talk to your teacher outside of class. Explain that you are a practicing Catholic and you have noticed she said some things about Catholicism that weren’t exactly true. The example you gave would be a good thing to mention as the definition of excommunication is fairly factual. I would avoid splitting hairs over differences in opinion though. Also, keep in mind that when studying the Reformation, you will be discussing the reformers charges against the Church, and not necessarily whether or not they were founded.

 

[Gertabelle]

Assuming you were polite, waited for an appropriate time, and raised your hand first, I don’t think most teachers would mind a correction of the statement you mentioned. However, if it gets excessive (more than twice a class period) you could have a problem. You aren’t really obligated to say anything, however, if you really want to, you could talk to your teacher outside of class. Explain that you are a practicing Catholic and you have noticed she said some things about Catholicism that weren’t exactly true. The example you gave would be a good thing to mention as the definition of excommunication is fairly factual. I would avoid splitting hairs over differences in opinion though. Also, keep in mind that when studying the Reformation, you will be discussing the reformers charges against the Church, and not necessarily whether or not they were founded.

As a teacher (although I teach the wee ones, K-5), I have no problem with respectful questions and comments, especially when students have experiences and understanding that I don’t have.

But as Allegra says, if the comments become too frequent, it gets to feeling like we can’t ever move forward with a lesson. Of course, some social studies teachers can actually design their lessons to be handled in a discussion format. But if your teacher isn’t doing that, sharing your thoughts and concerns after class might be a better idea.

Maybe you could just ask her what she’d like you to do.

God bless you! May you grow in faith and knowledge in your studies!

 

[Beryllos]

Don’t feel obligated to correct every factual error. Save your time and energy for more serious kinds of errors.

 

[Allegra]

If the course involves a research or presentation topic that you get to choose, you could also tactfully select a topic that would allow you to dispel some myths about Catholicism.