The hot-seat experience showed me there are moments in our lives where we have a choice; a choice to change, either for the better or worse. These chances happen throughout our life, never stopping at a certain age. The difference in changing for the better is being able to see more than one perspective and trying to understand both. Accepting there is more than just good and bad, always trying for good. But most importantly, accepting our mistakes and learning from them.
I understand these characters were purposefully relatable; none of them were stupid or being demonized, but they were real. They were people who all thought they were just living out their lives, trying to do right. Police brutality questions right and wrong actions, but what should really be criticized is how police are not informed of their limits. There is a line of action they should not cross, like other civilians who try to help in emergency situations but end up making them worse.
There is no one to blame, just those who should be held accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, the activity could be improved with more prep work. A few days or class periods, no more than two classes would be dedicated to setting up expectations for the activity. How far should students prepare? How much should students know about the character they take on? Teachers could also pre-prep their classrooms to accommodate this activity, such as having a system set up for it. For instance, basic questions vs. complex questions as examples. Props (cleaned) are very important, with what is allowed and prohibited because some characters may be armed. Limits should be set, such as insults or no insults and the leeway; what is the limits in undertaking the characters? If language is strong in readings, stronger than appropriate for a class, then substitute profanity with made up words or old time insults that sound more silly than insulting. Remind students to leave the character they role-play at the activity, not out of the classroom. Remind students to choose or be assigned characters they don’t relate with to try to understand different perspectives and create logic where the characters feelings and ideals make sense.
Time limits to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak, and most importantly, encouragement for students to be comfortable with this learning activity. They need to understand why this is significant and important to learn, and give them a list of skills they gain from this activity. It allows them to form their argumentative skills, it allows them to understand how different perspectives can develop a person, how environments and ideals can change or improve a person. I would love more conversations and activities like this in classrooms, as it encourages collaboration, communication, and class participation.
Jellyfish Melodies 