Student Teaching Experience

[juliet929]

I've been student teaching for about 2 weeks now and I totally love every minute of it. However, there was one day last week when my kids were totally driving me nuts; it seemed like nothing was getting through to them. Then, in my last period class, we were talking about Mexican Independence Day; I related it to July 4th. The class was going normally, then one student asked about our relationship (the US's) with Mexico. As I explained about that, I also explained about corporate relations with 3rd world countries and about how a lot of the HUGE name-brand clothing is made in sweatshops in Central America and India. The kids were SO interested; about 5 or 6 of them turned their shirts around to check where their shirts were made. It was something really small but I loved knowing that what I was talking about had a personal connection with them and-finally-interested them!! :)

[eaglesaint02]

Those are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!

[kingrichie]

Great lesson. What grade do you teach?

[Chef Dave]

I also explained about corporate relations with 3rd world countries and about how a lot of the HUGE name-brand clothing is made in sweatshops in Central America and India.

I'm afraid I don't entirely agree with this point of view because I think it's overly simplistic.

I am 47 years old and have spent 36% of my life (17 years) living in third world countries. I have lived in Ghana, Thailand, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon.

I will admit that corporations have moved many jobs overseas. It is far cheaper to manufacture products overseas and to ship these items to the U.S. rather than producing these same items in this country.

For example, I currently own a Victorian reproduction camel back sofa that was made in the states. The cost? Over $3,500 EXCLUSIVE of shipping. I know a master craftsman in Pakistan who could produce the exact same sofa for just $300. At one time, I thought about going into the furniture business with this person. I could have imported Renaissance, Empire, and Victorian reproduction furniture for a fraction of what they cost to produce in the U.S. could have undersold any stateside company.

Given our different economies, how can you compare the American economy to that of a 3rd world country like Pakistan?

In the United States, it would be difficult to live on $1,000 a month ... but $1,000 a month would allow you to live quite well in Pakistan or even parts of India depending upon which province you were talking about.

Consider this. Although it is true that Nike used to shamelessly exploit their Indonesian workers, they now pay a monthly wage of $30 a month with a performance bonus of up to $37.50 per month. This sounds horrible until you consider the fact that Nike is now paying well ABOVE the country's minimum wage.

The cost of living in Indonesia is also ridiculously low compared to the cost of living in the United States ... ergo talk about third world country sweatshops is largely a distorted view of what are essentially apples and oranges.

You cannot compare our respective economies.

Bus fare in Indonesia is the equivalent of 4 cents! A bowl of hot fried noodles costs 29 cents. I actually know of one expat who rented a FIVE BEDROOM HOUSE in Surabaya for two years for an advance fee of $2000. That comes to $83.33 per month!

Where can you find a luxurious five bedroom home in the states for just $83.33 per month?

You can't!

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/articles/indonesia_2.jpg
View of Surabaya

[teach1027]

You did it. You hooked them. That is one of the hardest parts of teaching, especially middle school students. Way to go.