Thursday, October 31, 2013

Dr. Rick Parker. (2013, November). A Qualitative Data Analysis: The Effects Of Loneliness On Social Interactions Among Middle School Students





GEMS (Gender, Education, Music, And Society)
Volume 6, Number 3, November 2013








A Qualitative Data Analysis: The Effects Of Loneliness On Social Interactions Among Middle School Students


Dr. Rick Parker


Abstract: This article attempts to identify and describe core characteristics of lonely middle school students, regarding how these students socially interact around their peers in classes. Findings reveal that lonely students often keep to themselves. Often, they distance themselves and select another activity, such as walking or reading. In some circumstances, they will not even speak a word unless someone asks them a question. Lonely students will choose to remain alone for various reasons: 1) They lack interest in the activity 2) They fear ridicule by their classmates and/or 3) They perceive that their peer do not want them to participate. If lonely students are forced to participate, they often remain on the outskirts of the activity; in essence, they will participate as little as possible. In summary, lonely students report that they choose to remain alone and distance themselves from their classmates. Strategies that can be implemented to encourage participation include creating small groups that are less competitive, incorporating peer assistance with activity skills, and/or encouraging lonely students to attend other activities after school that appeal to their interests.
 

Dr. Leslie J. Ward. (2013, November). Exploring The Distinct Hip-Hop Culture Of Urban Students





GEMS (Gender, Education, Music, And Society)
Volume 6, Number 3, November 2013





Exploring The Distinct Hip-Hop Culture
Of Urban Students


Dr. Leslie J. Ward


Abstract: Despite Hip-Hop culture's transition from urban ghettos to the mainstream, it is often viewed as deficient or deviant and not appreciated as a formal culture. This view on the part of educators has resulted in an unwillingness to deliver culturally relevant pedagogy to this distinct culture, contributing to the academic achievement gap between urban students and their peers. Effective urban teachers recognize this distinct culture and overcome dominant cultural assumptions in order to understand the communities in which they teach. This article focuses on a qualitative study designed to provide urban educators with a description of the Hip Hop culture, as well as identify skills and competencies associated with cultural competence. Findings from this study highlight the need for recognition, acceptance, understanding, and respect for Hip Hop culture, and the significance of building relationships by penetrating urban students' "street tough" persona (often mistaken for lack of interest).

Dr. Miroslav Pavle Manovski. (2013, November). Snapshot Reflections: Targeting Young Boys Singing Girls’ Songs In School.





GEMS (Gender, Education, Music, And Society)
Volume 6, Number 3, November 2013





Snapshot Reflections:
Targeting Young Boys Singing Girls’ Songs In School


Dr. Miroslav Pavle Manovski


Abstract: Phillip Brett and Elizabeth Wood (2006) note that sexuality, like musicality, is embedded in an individual sense of self. What if those unique or complex notions of our evolving self––including social identifiers like gender––fluidly transcend cultural expectations in educational contexts and beyond? In this study, I will share and reflect upon historical shards of my experience becoming a solo singer and musician in middle school. These events took place in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan in the late 1980s during my seventh and eighth grade years. Please join me in this arts-based work, as I revisit two live snapshot recordings of performances from that time, including curated personal artifacts/journals, and other relevant or intersecting works woven within a process that incorporated member checking with my then music teacher and those stakeholders who shared a part of constructing my world.