Lyall,+Sandeep

=__Assignment 1__=

My name is Sandeep Lyall, and I teach Economics at American International School of Mozambique. Although I have taught in international schools for 8 years, it’s interesting to see how I still find myself learning, unlearning and relearning. I was working in Indonesia before I came to Mozambique, but I call India home. In my opinion, the course EDU640 is about classroom management, since no meaningful teaching and learning can take place in a setting which is poorly managed. The course is intended towards understanding procedural requirements to guide student behavior. The course as the name suggests is about dealing with the disruptive and disorderly behavior of the students since well-managed classrooms don’t just appear but require a great deal of efforts to create and established, with the teachers as the most important factors affecting students' achievements. The course is going to enlighten about how to diffuse a conflict like situation by mediation. Some of the topics that I would like to be included in the course would be as follows.
 * Understanding and addressing emotional component, strategies to help students deal with stress and emotional upheavals, conflicts resolution and problem solving.
 * Creating a culture of creative and critical thinking among the students.
 * Identifying student's individual needs, interest and learning profiles and scaffolding instructions to cater to the needs of all.
 * Planning curricular units with differentiation in the process, product and Interest.
 * Meaningful use of technology.

My name is Sandeep Lyall, and I teach Economics at American International School of Mozambique. Although I have taught in international schools for 8 years, it’s interesting to see how I still find myself learning, unlearning and relearning. I was working in Indonesia before I came to Mozambique, but I call India home. In my opinion, the course EDU640 is about classroom management, since no meaningful teaching and learning can take place in a setting which is poorly managed. The course is intended towards understanding procedural requirements to guide student behaviour. The course as the name suggests is about dealing with the disruptive and disorderly behaviour of the students since well-managed classrooms don’t just appear but require a great deal of efforts to create and established, with the teachers as the most important factors affecting students' achievements. The course is going to enlighten about how to diffuse a conflict like situation by mediation. Some of the topics that I would like to be included in the course would be as follows. • Understanding and addressing emotional component, strategies to help students deal with stress and emotional upheavals, conflicts resolution and problem solving.• Creating a culture of creative and critical thinking among the students.

• Identifying students individual needs, interest and learning profiles and scaffolding instructions to cater to the needs of all. • Planning curricular units with differentiation in the process, product and Interest. • Meaningful use of technology. =__Assignment 2__=

**AMERICAN HISTORY X**
The conflict between different racial groups has been a topic of controversy and debate for quite some time. Violence among the children of age group 14-24 is fairly common in America and the same is depicted and is central to the plot of the film ‘American History X’. The film deals with conflict and violence, which stems from social isolation, racial segregation, racism, drugs, alcoholism and the moral values taught within the families, which leads to aggressive behavior. Not only this but also the lack of guidance and support from a role model or father figure contributes largely to the conflicts and aggressive behavior. The film relies on the age-old conflict of nature pitted against nurture.

Derek the main character is depicted as a straight ‘ A’ star student by nature but the way of nurturing turns him to a bigot with racist ideology. To begin nurturing requires the influence of proactive adults and a learning environment. Derek is not what he is from the beginning, but became so because of what happened to his father, who is supposedly killed by two black drug addicts. We also see Danny reminiscing what his Dad sarcastically questioning Derek ‘affirmative Blacktion, everywhere ‘and how two blacks were given a job although they scored low and would be ‘watching his back’’. Although at that time Derek by nature seems to be balanced and reflective, things take a negative turn after the death of his father and the guardianship of Cameron Alexander, who idolizes Nazism. Derek turns a xenophobic as can be seen from the ‘grocery store ‘’ incident by nurturing.

The environment and the choices made have some serious ramifications on the social front. The seeds of hatred are sowed at home but get harvested due to the lack of guidance from both home and school.The school environment is far from being studious and there is a clear absence of mission, and perhaps not all the teachers except Dr. Sweeney realize that they can nurture and impact lives. Derek is seen to hold Dr Sweeney in high esteem; he is the one who initially seems to be at the loser’s end but is able to show Derek the right path. Derek is seen in the movie advising his younger brother to pay heed to Dr. Sweeney. The film shows the nurturing potential teachers have; however, it also shows that not many teachers are willing to take the responsibility. Furthermore, we again get to see nature and nurturing conflicting In the characterization of Derek’s younger sibling Danny, who idolizes him and in the initial scenes is seen lamenting about rapidly changing the face of the neighborhood. Danny follows the same racist ideology like his brother, however like the rest of Vinyard siblings, he is bright too since Dr. Sweeney is not willing to give up on him. Clearly, his nature is nurtured by the brother and the environment he finds himself in. He does not like the multiracial environment he finds himself in. Danny is able to find a father like a figure in Derek in the latter half of the movie and nurturing once again makes him realize that he needed to change.

Thus, we see that nature and nurture affect behavioral change and teacher, mentor and school has an important role to play in that.

=__Assignment 3__=

As the name suggest, peaceable school is governed by mutual respect, interconnections and a common sense of belonging. In a peaceable school, the school community shares a good rapport with each other, consequentially; the differences and conflicts are resolved through mediation. A peaceable community ensures that the teachers have continuous training and workshops to ensure that teacher is well versed in pedagogical practices and capable of understanding child psychology.

A peaceable school gives a feeling of a safe environment, where a sense of openness between teachers and students and teachers and administrators prevails. Adults are role models and willing to help the students solve problems or find a constructive way out of a conflict.In a peaceable school, the teacher help students understand the power of apologizing.

The students learn to communicate their feelings especially their discontent and disagreement in a manner which is neither insulting nor aggressive or disruptive. Students learn to take turns to talk and are respectful of different viewpoints. The become aware that others with differing viewpoints may also be correct.

Peaceable schools should exhibit zero tolerance for vandalism of property, bullying, racism and plagiarism of any kind.

Expectations and responsibilities rely solely on educator’s ability to manage behavior problems by stressing on self-discipline and responsibility. The school is expected to assist students in responding to situations non-violently be following the process of negotiation, mediation and problem solving. It is schools responsibility to ensure that it builds its educational program and service learning the role of students as responsible world citizens.

If Professor Hank was to enter my Classroom; he would first notice the attention given to the silent curriculum to raise the studious atmosphere of the class. Since I teach in an IB School with students from the diverse background you will notice that the topics that I choose in Economics and Theory of Knowledge relate to real life situations and involve multicultural understanding. Students are taught that others with a different point of views may also be correct. Students are aware that everyone needs ‘ airtime’ and one student should not dominate in the discussion.

I promote peace in the classroom by keeping aside at least 10 minutes for the advisory session and talk about deadlines, issue related to academic and social problems. By having advisory sessions I feel that the students develop a common sense of belonging and camaraderie.It will be noticed that students greet each other and enjoy working in a collaborative manner, which is evident from the projects and group presentation. The evidence of the same can be obtained from the exchange of emails with the school counselor. At the beginning of the academic year, the students are encouraged to come up with rules of class conduct and decorum, which are duly agreed and signed by all. This contributes to a great extent to the harmony that prevails in the classroom.

If at all there is a conflict arising out of any situation students know that they can trust me to help find a peaceful solution. I can promote peace in my community by being a role model and practicing what I want to see in others.

=__ Assignment 4 __=

**Violence Quiz Tally **

 * || True || False ||
 * The rate of serious violent crime (Homicide, Rape, Robbery & Aggravated Assault) in the United States for the last 30 years has been fairly constant || 2 || 3 ||
 * Even though the population of the U.S. has increased from 200 to 300 million, fewer people are arrested for violent crimes in the United States now than 30 years ago. || 1 || 4 ||
 * Proportionately fewer violent crimes are solved today than 30 years ago. || 1 || 4 ||
 * The United States is in a period of extreme violence. || 3 || 2 ||
 * The United States is in a period of extreme violence. || 3 || 2 ||

Several mass shootings at schools has brought world’s attention to violence in United States. It is interesting to note that without looking at various reports, and analyzing data collected, we jump to conclusion that violence is on the rise in states. It was interesting to see from the violence perception quiz how most of us had a preconceived notion that the US is a highly violent country. This is a cause of concern since the attitude of the outsiders is grimmer as compared to the views of the US Citizens. Although people might by the media portrayal think that the crime rate has risen, it has actually stabilized if one has to go by Pew Research Center analysis of death certificate data assembled by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

In fact, between 1993 and 2000, the gun homicide rate dropped by nearly half, from 7.0 homicides to 3.8 homicides per 100,000 people. It is interesting to note in Eric Monkkonen’s article how level of persecution is different for different states. There is even a variation in prosecution and acquittals. Monkkonen also discusses the changing demography and racism. America’s history of social hierarchy may have permeated to allow violence to thrive. The drop in the crime rate is the most remarkable phenomenon of our times and there are several reasons for this decline. To name a few increase rate of education, growth in income, more employment opportunities, police force, decline in the alcohol consumption contribute to the decline in the violent activities that sky rocketed once but are on decline now.

Video- Water boarding
Torture has been linked to barbaric dark ages.I don’t think torture can ever be justified, it is brutal and shows lack of logical reasoning and is absolutely in human.CIA uses water boarding as a torture technique on its prisoners and is considered of high value. It leads to coughing, vomiting, involuntary spasm of torso and extremities. According to the video this form of torture inflicts extreme fear, increased palpitations; the person perceives threat to life. The form of torture has been a topic of debate since it was employed. I consider it as harrowing although some people might argue that in potential threats of terror attacks it is a necessity and a requirement to save lives of innocent at stake. Nevertheless torture begets retaliation and fear and becomes a vicious cycle. . One side decides to torture a prisoner, the prisoner’s allies or clan discovers it, leading to surmounting feeling of revenge, leading to retaliation of torturing another prisoner being justified, and on it goes.

Though I know it is easier said than done, we should find some other way of interrogation through open dialogue and negotiation.

Extra Credit: Video- Fighting Back
One cannot deny that W. F Burns Middle Schools is acting with foresight and for the good of their students. School shootouts have raised uncertainty and call for preparedness in case of such rampant attacks. Taking precautionary measures can reassure that students and teachers take measure of control in the face of such attacks. School advocates bringing of 8 oz canned goods to be thrown in case of emergency. School promotes the practice of A.L.I.C.E Alert, Lock-down, Inform, Counter, and Escape, to ensure maximum empowerment to the children. Canned goods are often heavy and when thrown with force can catch the intruder off guard and with aid the arrest. While speaking to Education world Bill Modzelseki mentioned that according to The No Child Left Behind Act schools need to develop crisis plans beyond what they traditionally have done," He further added that schools have been told to get a crisis plan and they must have one(http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin300.shtml#sthash.wRlllDEx.dpuf), therefore W.F Burns Middle school are fully justified in coming up with this plan.
 * Pros**

However the same is not a very well thought of plan and will not ensure cent percent safety. Moreover canned food is in no way a match for gun or a grenade that the shooter may carry. The chances are that the hooter might retaliate more severely. The emergency plan should include tight security at the entrance, plan for detailed evacuation procedures with several alternative destinations, a procedure for contacting parents regarding the location of their children, and a procedure for child pick up if parent is not available. Students should be prepared through drills to teach them how to flee, barricade or effectively hide.
 * Cons**

=__Assignment 5__=

Brain hijacked
Amygdala is a term coined by Daniel Coleman.Goleman has used this term to describe immediate and overwhelming emotional responses triggered in people e when met with situations that detect emotional threat. The responses in this case are a way beyond the actual stimulus.

I have often seen but rarely encountered such hijacking of the brain myself (though I might have been on the throes of such hijack). Such a phenomenon often occurs in addicts. I happened to see a man under the influence of alcohol, letting out abuses on his own family members and neighbors without any rhyme or reason. His talks, threats and language were evocative and aggressive. His behavior was increasingly obscene and violent in nature. People had to physically overpower him. He was staggering, falling, bleeding due to injury he had inflicted on himself.

I believe it may have been alcohol and the experiences and conflict he may have had earlier redirected his brain and thus hijacked it bringing out this burst of what was euphoria for him but something scary for the people watching him.

Another incident was of a parent I saw walking out of parent teacher conference in an extremely angry state, shouting and hurling abuses, while his daughter obviously embarrassed and seemingly helpless at this unexpected behavior of the parent walking besides him, her eyes had the pleading look as if she was trying to ask the onlooker to ignore the father. I indeed thought that the father would collapse anytime since he was breathing heavily and sweating profusely. I perceive that like Coleman, says that emotions make us pay attention to the current urgent situation and require us to take immediate action without thinking twice. The stimulus in the two aforementioned cases may have been the case too.

In both the cases there was a strong emotional reaction, sudden onset and post situation realization just like it happens in case of Hijack of brain.

TED Talk by Amy Cuddy
Social Psychologist Amy Cuddy conveys that our body language can transform the way our life unfolds. She gives evidence for it through her personal anecdote, experiments conducted and also pep up talk that she gave to one of her student at Harvard.Our emotions and behavior are tied together, often the way we walk, sit with our shoulders slumped impact how others perceive us. Our non verbal not only govern how others think and feel about us but also how we perceive our own self. Cuddy’s concept of power posing is indeed very enlightening and I can relate to it on personal level. The postures and other non verbal communication make people empowered by affecting testosterone and cortisol level. After listening to her TED talk I have been reflecting on my behavior, trying to recall; when I might have given the vibe of being powerful or less confident. I especially like Cuddy’s statement ‘fake it till you become it’ which she adapted from what she was told by her mentor once, it especially resonates with me.

Since our nonverbal communication directly conveys signals of what we feel and intend towards other person or a particular circumstance, it is essential that we learn about body language and communication so as to effectively relate to people in such a manner that we foster mutual trust and harmony. It is common neuroscience to think about people and their body language and try to estimate whether they are more or less powerful than you. Cuddy’s talk is a good realization of the fact that it is possible to modify perceptions merely by changing of body position.

I like Cuddy’s gesture of sharing her findings with a person who feels suppressed is noble and I will definitely share it with some students that I have in mind. I have already shared it with my children.

=__Assignment 6__=

6A
Conflict is the difference in opinions, disagreement, discord or friction between two people or groups, arising due to the resistance by one group, to accept the ideas or views of the other. It is an active and a very commonly occurring, inevitable phenomenon at workplace, that most of us may have faced onetime or the other. Conflict resolution on the other hand as the name suggests is finding a way out of the disagreement through negotiation to resolve the existing conflict. It is natural once in a while to get involved in conflict or conflict like situation. Recently I happened to come across a situation which I reckon, was to a good extent a case of brain hijack. A couple of weeks ago, I heard my colleague shouting at Grade 9 students. Naturally I intervened and she asked me to take a certain number of students, who were standing outside her class, under my care.

It so happened that on that particular day, one Grade 9 teacher had some Drama rehearsals and requested the teacher concerned to look after her class, while she could assist the other Drama teacher; naturally the class size was big and difficult to manage. The teacher made the students watch a video and then asked them to answer certain discussion prompt, which they did. Suddenly one student may have used a certain bad word, which the teacher objected to and student apologized, however after some time the same thing happened again and the teacher according to her ignored, but when it happened for the third time she lost her cool and asked the cohort of the Grade 9 teacher to leave her class as she wanted to talk to her class. The students tried to reason with her saying that it was just a slip of tongue and she should understand, but she was just not willing to accept. While most of the students, when they perceived that teacher was not her normal self at that moment, and could not be persuaded, kept quiet but at least two students kept on arguing and the teacher was offended. I must mention that these students have behavior problem and are students of concern. At this point of time her voice was trembling and she was breathing shallow. She wrote a long email to the Principal and to grade 9 advisors.

Now amygdala sounds an alarm and releases chemicals in the body as a signal. When I talked to my colleague she did mentioned that she could feel some sensation like heat flush ([] ) and she knew what was coming, nevertheless despite being alarmed, she says the situation just slipped out of her hands.

The situation occurred due to various reasons, the first and the foremost was the neglect of planning by the Grade 9 teacher, who should have had a substitute teacher if she wanted to assist in Drama rehearsals. The teacher concerned on the other hand should have known that her lesson plan might not work for the visiting group and should have reasoned with the other teacher. She should not have undertaken to do what was beyond her capacity. The teacher was stressed by the fact that her colleague had taken her for granted. This stress and anger was building up in her and perhaps led to amygdala hijack and outburst on the students.

6B
Profanity is a debatable topic with diverse views, however according to me, whether you are in favor of or anti-swearing, obviously **context is the most important thing**. It is clear that the attitude of the people have changed regarding the use of swear words and what is socially acceptable language and what is not. There are use of offensive words television programs is more than ever before, and music lyrics, rap songs to be more precise are defined by the use of profanity and swear words([]). Young children are increasingly using offensive language and at younger ages. By the time they enter school, most children know the words their parents complain about on television, though there is no evidence to prove that children are harmed by words on television([]).

On the other hand swearing has been a part of popular culture and there are researches to prove and acknowledge that swearing is a type of stress buster and harmless activity. In fact [|David Heinemeier Hanson] explains it all when he says ‘I’ve used profanity to great effect is at conferences where you feel you know the audience enough to loosen your tie and want to create a mental dog ear for an idea. Of all the presentations I’ve given, I’ve generally had the most positive feedback from the ones that carried enough passion to warrant profanity and it’s been very effective in making people remember key ideas. As with any tool, it can certainly be misused and applied to the wrong audience. But you can cut yourself with a great steak knife too. Use profanity with care and in the right context and it can be f*ing amazing.”

Though many will approve with Hanson’s views there are many who will find this as coarse, blatant, unnecessary, and a big put off. Ultimately it all gets down to cultures, audience and the context. So far in my teaching careers I haven’t used swear words with my students, personally yes I have, especially when talking to friends and also expressing anger. One day in fact, while discussing language and taboo with my students, I even asked them how would they feel if I used expletives and swear words with them and most of them laughed and said ‘O God !no!’

Swear words aren’t necessary to make your language persuasive and effective. Personally, I feel swearing is not the only stress buster nor is it giving rich returns.Students generally look up to their teachers and model their behaviour. It is so important that teacher model a sensible and appropriate behavior or we will have a whole generation of future adults who use foul language. So far I haven’t come across a school where it is acceptable for either teacher or students to swear. Nevertheless, audience, context and purpose is important when considering the use of swear words.

=__**Assignment 7**__=

"I messages" are used with the intention of stressing one’s point of view regarding an incident, event or a situation which has become a frequent occurring. "I messages" are directed to the listener without putting him/her in defense. In "I" message the speaker takes direct ownership of his actions without beating about the bush. In short the "I messages" are a powerful strategy for conflict resolution and provide constructive criticism. It informs the listener how the things are and how the things should be in order to rectify what otherwise might take an ugly turn.

According to www.girlshealth.gov, "I" message can assist in keeping relationships open and honest between people when there is a conflict.

Some examples of "I" messages both negative and constructive are as follows: Negative (from a teacher to an attention seeking student) <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You have failed to meet the deadline <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Event: Assessment submission <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Reaction: disbelief and shock <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Corrective: You need to organize yourself, manage your time well and respect the sanctity of deadlines.

<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Positive "I" message 1 <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Your ideas are coherently organized. You have definitely raised the bar. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Positive "I" message 2 <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I can see you becoming a more rounded student of Economics

<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I messages" are essential for clarifying one's position, contribution, and desires around a situation, event, and/or life perspective. They help in avoiding blame, whilst turning blame into personal responsibility. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The situation involving Gigi and her friend can be rectified using "I"message as well. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The message that I would like to give her would be as <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Corrective: I have been trying to say this for a long time but could not muster up sufficient courage; I do not like you rummaging through my drawers in my absence, you should understand that I live with my boyfriend and feel that you are encroaching upon my privacy. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Message to Gigi to reinforce the change: <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thanks, Gigi, I am elated to see this change in you and so is my boyfriend. We are going to watch a movie tonight, will you like to join us. <span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I messages" encourage others to change without giving rise to further conflicts. References: []

=__Assignment 8__=

There are some valuable lessons, that I have learnt about bullying, the most important being studies conducted by scientists confirming that emotional abuse harms more ways than one and is a serious matter. MRI imaging has shown that the physical harm done by bullying, is not just limited to the body, but to the brain (<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">[|What Neuroscience reveals about bullying by educators] ). Bruises heal and broken bones mend, but neuroscience research shows that emotional abuse can leave permanent scars on the brain. Therefore, Bullying requires intervention and immediate attention.

Bullies are often built by on-going and unresolved conflict. Bullying is usually a learnt behavior and a strategy that a bully repeats because it works to satiate, in satiated needs: power, insecurity, attention, or revenge. Thus we see that punitive avenues are not the solution but a little compassion definitely is.

The information given in the resources provided is useful for teachers; if I come across such a case I will request mediation. I could even have cyber bulling and bullying in general as a lesson or an activity for advisory session. I could even incorporate activities mentioned in Teaching Students How to Confront Insults, by Richard Curwin (2015).

As an educator I would first begin with treating students with respect and demonstrating interest in the well-being of each student. I could use the information and hold class meeting, and refer the student affected to the school counselor if needed. I could notify parents of all involved students when a bullying incident occurs, and resolve the problem expeditiously, according to discipline plans at school. It would also be nice to have class rules and sanctions related to bullying discussed a class and posted on a soft board.

Punitive measures should be avoided as far as possible; On the contrary any change in behavior or observance of positive behavior in the student involved in a conflict should be rewarded. In avoiding punitive measures, we can clearly empower students to empathize with their own experience and with others, and create an inclusive culture and a peaceable community.

References Teaching Students How to Confront Insults <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">[|How to Cultivate a Bully Free Community] [|What Neuroscience reveals about bullying by educators]

=__Assignment 9__=

My personality analysis was as following: People Person=19, Learned expert= 30, Creative problem=22, practical manager= 29, and I agree with it mostly. All the mentioned go hand-in-hand helping a teacher deal with problems related to teaching and learning from a number of different vantage points. I was amazed to see scoring high in learned expert as I always find myself paying a lot of attention to content knowledge. This is how I want to be acknowledged and that’s how my colleagues and students see me. The second area where I received a 29 is practical manager; I do try to have a fair, balanced, ethical approach while trying to manage. However, I also agree that though I have the ability to positively influence people, I may not be a people’s person who can simply light up the room by walking in. While some people are born with it, being people’s person also is a quality that can be imbibed. All the given attributes must be valued as a teacher. Knowing your own personality makes a teacher more accepting of the varied personalities, that he gets to meet in the form of students. Like Jane in the given article, a teacher must try to acknowledge the uniqueness of the learners in a positive manner and differentiate to tailor to the diverse learning needs, styles and interest of the students.

=__Assignment 10__=

1. The role of nurture by the families of the two main characters, Derrick and Homer.
According to John Rich, You inherit your environment as much as you inherit your genes’ The characters in the movie American History X and October Sky, Derrick and Homer, respectively have been nurtured by the family’s influences. Whilst Derrick had the seeds of racial hatred sowed in him by his father and augmented by his father’s death had the hands of a person hailing from black minority, Homer was nurtured by his mother’s desire to do things differently. Both the characters are nurtured by the belief and philosophies of the parents.

At the Dinner table, Derrick is asked by his father’ Do you have to trade great books for Black books’ and further advised ‘ not to swallow whole’ from Mr Sweeney (a black teacher). The young impressionable age, which Derrick is at, makes him absorbs the precepts from his father and transforms him into a savage though his character changes towards the end. Both the movies show the significance of socio and emotional nurturing. Homer too holds his father in high revere and wants to make his dad proud but he does not possess the strength to be a coal miner and therefore opts for better, however it is ultimately the father’s trust, upbringing and approval and the nurturing that makes Homer opt for better horizons. Similarly the mother’s nurture becomes instrumental driving force in getting Derrick to change from what he was.

2. The role of the mother in the development of each of the two main characters Derrick and Homer.
Both the mothers in the movie are shown to possess strong characteristics and have a role to play. Whilst it can be clearly seen that Derrick ‘s mother by no means approve of his racist and wayward ways, Homer’s mother had firm faith in his dream of rocket design , which would allow him to break away from his father’s profession of a coal miner.

Derrick’s mother disapproval of her son’s attitude is reflected in her own deteriorating physical health; nevertheless she does not have a personality strong enough to prevent her son from falling into the hands of skinheads. Even at the violent scene with Derrick getting aggressive with his sister, she looks completely handicapped. Her character is seen to be more of the one trying to deflect and ignore the situation. Without any doubt she would have seen the change of heart in Derrick but is rendered completely incapable in influencing him.

On the contrary, Homer’s mother although seems to have very limited voice, supports and encourages Homer. She finally spoke out and threatened to leave her husband if he was not prepared to help Homer. This was a very brave and daring thing to do as she really had no other place to go if the father did not agree to do what she asked. Homer’s mother played an encouraging role in his life. She supported Homer’s interest in rockets by allowing him to use the basement, getting a signed photograph of Von Braun to resume Homer’s interest. She is supportive of Homer and insists that her husband Homer gets the parts he needs for the rocket. Both the mothers to a certain extent are shown to be passive their role becomes significant towards the end. Nevertheless both can be seen as significant influences in Derrick and Homer’s life.

3. The role of the teacher Murray in Derrick’s life and the role of Miss Reilly in Homer’s life.
A student’s success story begins with a teacher’s trust and belief, a teacher knows how to bring out the best in a student. Miss Reilly in October Sky can be seen one such teacher who encouraged natural curiosity in Homer and motivated him to dream beyond coal mines. On the contrary Mr Murray in American History X seems to have given up on Derrick a little too easily.

October Sky is replete with scenes where Miss Reilly has actively encouraged Homer to pursue his dream of launching a rocket. She even serves as a catalyst between the principal and Homer, and enables Homer to continue exploring his passion for science and his the latent potential. On the other hand Mr Murray doesn’t seem to be a risk taker, his very expression in the movie portray him to be somewhat intimated of Derrick. He looks incapable of exercising his authority and win him back with a charismatic influence that a teacher should possess while dealing with students of concern. Not only this but also he goes and influences Derrick’s mother into believing that Derrick was a lost case.

The influence of Mrs Reilly as a role model can be seen from the fact that, in the end Homer acknowledges her as co-author with others of his success story.

4. The role of the two principals in the lives of Derrick and Homer.
Every child should be entitled to one caring adult who can guide and with whom the child feels secure. This adult may, need not necessarily be from his/her family. Sweeney is one such adult in Derrick’s life, and plays a significant role was in supporting Derrick’s change in beliefs. Sweeney has been Derrick’s teacher and knows if derrick has changed for worse, he can from worst be brought back to good and so he decided to reach out to Derrick. He had firm belief that with a little compassion, Derrick could unlearn his racial prejudice and relearn to love the minorities.

The principal, Mr Turner, in October Sky does not seem to possess the aura or the vision to give the students dreams to walk on new horizons or explore newer vistas. He is neither a visionary nor a forward thinking man and therefore does not support Homer’s passion for rockets, until after Homer proves that is rocket was not responsible for forest fires. It is only after this that, Mr Turner acknowledges Homer’s potential and sends him off to the National competition.

Mr Sweeney was like a mirror that made derrick see what an animal he had become and yet his life has not been any better. He asks ‘has anything you’ve done made your life better?’’ Listening to Sweeney, Derrick introspects his life and decides to give up his old wayward ways.

5. The role of the community in the lives of Derrick and Homer.
Community play a passive role in a person’s upbringing and education. Derrick and Homer both hail from different environments. Derrick comes from a big city, where there is lack of community while Homer is living in a small mining town where everyone knows each other and there is a sense of community.

If one considers Homer, the coal mining community, set their lives around the mine and shared mutual trust and a sort of symbiotic relationship. Homer too finds support in a few men from the community who assist him with rockets. The coalmining community comes together and help Homer build new rocket when his rocket gets stolen. In a way homer’s community can be said to be supportive, united and encouraging.

Derrick’s reality was very different. His community is diverse but divided. His community is a melting pot of people of diverse backgrounds, languages, cultures, religions, and ethnicities. Therefore building the camaraderie, mutual trust and understanding is an uphill task.

Once Derrick’s father dies and he finished high school he loses that sense of community. He has to find it somewhere and he finds the new community life with in the Neo-Nazi/skinheads, which does embrace him but misguides him and coaxes him to become savage like and he even goes to prison.

An African proverb says it takes an entire village to raise a child. The same stands true in the above examples.

<span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: 0px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: 550.5px; width: 1px;"><span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: 0px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: 550.5px; width: 1px;">As the name suggest, peaceable school is governed by mutual respect, interconnectedness and a common sense of belonging. In a peaceable school, the school community shares a good rapport with each other, consequentially; the differences and conflicts are resolved through mediation. A peaceable community ensures that the teachers have continuous training and workshops to ensure that teacher is well versed in pedagogical practices and capable of understanding child psychology. A peaceable school gives a feeling of a safe environment, where a sense of openness between teachers and students and teachers and administrators prevails. Adults are role models and willing to help the students solve problems or find a constructive way out of a conflict.In a peaceable school, the teacher help students understand the power of apologising. The students learn to communicate their feelings especially their discontent and disagreement in a manner which is neither insulting nor aggressive or disruptive.Students learn to take turns to talk and are respectful of different viewpoints. The become aware that others with differing viewpoints may also be correct.

Peaceable schools should exhibit zero tolerance for vandalism of property, bullying, racism and plagiarism of any kind. Expectations and responsibilities rely solely on educator’s ability to manage behaviour problems by stressing on self-discipline and responsibility. The school is expected to assist students in responding to situations non-violently be following the process of negotiation, mediation and problem solving. It is schools responsibility to ensure that it builds its educational program and service learning the role of students as responsible world citizens. If Professor Hank was to enter my Classroom; he would first notice the attention given to the silent curriculum to raise the studious atmosphere of the class. Since I teach in an IB School with students from the diverse background you will notice that the topics that I choose in Economics and Theory of Knowledge relate to real life situations and involve multicultural understanding. Students are taught that others with a different point of views may also be correct. Students are aware that everyone needs ‘ airtime’ and one student should not dominate in the discussion. I promote peace in the classroom by keeping aside at least 10 minutes for the advisory session and talk about deadlines, issue related to academic and social problems. By having advisory sessions I feel that the students develop a common sense of belonging and camaraderie.It will be noticed that students greet each other and enjoy working in a collaborative manner, which is evident from the projects and group presentation. The evidence of the same can be obtained from the exchange of emails with the school counsellor. At the beginning of the academic year, the students are encouraged to come up with rules of class conduct and decorum, which are duly agreed and signed by all. This contributes to a great extent to the harmony that prevails in the classroom. If at all there is a conflict arising out of any situation students know that they can trust me to help find a peaceful solution. I can promote peace in my community by being a role model and practicing what I want to see in othes.