We’ll use Perusall to annotate and read together. 
I Hate Maria’s
This will be really short…
I over think everything, my essays, my written responses, my topics of discussions, and especially especially ESPECIALLY what I say out-loud in class. And then even when I do say what I went over in my head a thousand times I still turn beat red as if I said something stupid or maybe even stuttered. So in a sense I love the Maria’s because they take the pressure off of me to feel the need to say anything at all. But at the same time when I raise my hand because I feel really passionate about the topic of discussion and some dude is rambling off about how he thinks it relates to some comic, I lose either my patients with how long I’ve been waiting, or finally realize just how stupid and redundant what I was going to say was. And I put my hand down and start doodling in irritation with both myself and the class Maria. I have no clue how to solve a problem like Maria. Because it’s just stupid to discourage any student from talking, but how can we somewhat hush them to bring forth a wider range of questions in the class.
One Reply to “I Hate Maria’s”
This is a big time problem, with no seemingly no solutions that don’t involve hurting someone’s feelings. I also find myself getting frustrated with people who constantly have something to interject, especially when it is loosely related to the topic, and always brings it back to some personal association that everyone is tired of hearing about. Unlike you, I have no problem speaking in class, but try to make sure it’s concise, and relevant. In terms of getting them to stop, like I said, it’s quite the conundrum. I’ve seen a couple different teachers deal with this comic dude you speak of. One teacher basically just shut him down by just flat out saying “No, that doesn’t apply here,” and moving on without feeding into the seemingly endless stream of meaningless commentary. In a college setting I think this was completely appropriate. It’s not like it will really deter a true comic dude for that long anyways, but it will shut em up long enough to let others way in. I’ve also seen another teacher I really respect just interrupt and talk over them. This basically has the same affect, and once again is completely OK in a college atmosphere. We’re all adults, and sometimes getting your feelings hurt is a necessary wake up call to pipe down. But that’s college. I feel like its a harder problem in high school because you really have to keep your student’s feelings in mind as an educator. And you never want to keep a student from expressing themselves. I think the best thing to do in a high school or any grade school for that matter would be to talk to that person outside of class, and just explain to them that although you appreciate their contributions, you would also appreciate if they gave the other students an opportunity to express their own perspectives. Even in a situation where it doesn’t seem like anyone has a contribution to the discussion, its not their responsibility to carry the class. A little awkward silence isn’t going to kill the teacher or anybody else. Sometimes it’s exactly what one of the shyer students need to work up some courage, and work out their own response in their minds enough to offer it to the class. Just thought I’d way in on this, because I know exactly how you feel. I don’t hate Maria’s or comic dudes but they can definitely be annoying sometimes. It sounds like you should try and assert yourself a little more, instead of dwelling on the people who dominate the class. Don’t worry about having the perfect response, just speak your mind. Nobody will judge you, especially if you’re not one to speak very often anyways. In fact the class will probably appreciate a new voice and opinion on the various subjects we cover, regardless of how polished and well thought out it is. And everybody gets flustered so don’t worry about that. I’m a very confident speaker but I put my foot in my mouth too, and blush all the time. Thanks for your honesty, and for speaking your mind on this subject. Hopefully soon you’ll work up the gumption to speak it in class.