Parents’ & Student Teachers’ Views on Using Popular Culture in the Classroom

In reference to the popular culture survey carried out, I interviewed a secondary school teacher who has experience of the primary classroom. The main reason that the teacher felt popular culture should be used within the classroom is that it helps to create a link with society and the world we live in therefore providing a context for learning. Dean (2010) suggests that children start school with a huge range of knowledge about films; TV programmes etc. however this is not always built upon by teachers. As teachers we should be building upon the experiences of society that children already have and helping to develop their views.

The teacher also commented that from her experience, using popular culture within the classroom is a stimulating way to engage children with their learning. The use of popular culture is particularly powerful when the children bring in objects that are important to them.  Marsh (2005:68) develops this further by stating that ‘allowing children to bring popular culture in from their home experiences to the site of the classroom can have an electrifying effect on children’. The children respond to this activity and are therefore motivated to learn.

A response I found surprising was that the teacher felt there should be a move away from traditional literacy approaches and more emphasis placed on using technology and popular culture. As a student teacher this does challenge my view that there be should be both traditional and modern approaches to learning within the classroom and from the in-session discussion with my group on Tuesday, I know many other student teachers feel the same.
Interestingly, before starting this module, I was under the impression that many parents would be reluctant about teachers using popular culture subjects within lessons. However, Arthur (2005) suggests that although they may have some reservations, parents are generally very supportive of children’s interests in popular culture and feel it is an important part of life to explore them.

In response to this survey, I feel that as a trainee teacher I am more aware of the issues and debates surrounding the use of popular culture. To develop my practice I would like the opportunity to use a form of technology and/or popular culture within the classroom to improve my own confidence and to explore how the children respond.

Dean, G. ‘Rethinking Literacy’ in Bazalgette, C. (ed) (2010) Teaching Media in Primary Classrooms London:Sage

 

Marsh, J. Brooks,G. Hughes,J. Ritchie, L. Roberts, S. Wright, K (2005) Digital beginnings: Young children’s use of popular culture, media and new Technologies University of Sheffield (Section 2.10 p.46; Sections 3.2 & 3.3 p48/49)

 

Arthur, L. (2005) ‘Popular Culture: views of parents and educators’ in Marsh, J. (2005) Popular Culture, New Media and Digital Literacy in Early Childhood Oxon: RoutledgeFalmer