An online space for our community to extend our engagement w/ education and popculture
Sunday, August 17, 2025
September 16…Our Ideas about Schooling and TV (New Due date)
What TV shows have influenced how you think about what schools are for, teaching, etc.? In light of what we have been doing in class can you see the show and how you experienced it in a different light? Be specific.
One tv I watching growing up was Boy Meets World, I think this show showed kind of what teachers and/or teaching is actually like while still appealing to pop culture and people growing up. I am specifically saying growing up because it is following the same characters from like 6th grade to college. I think even after being in this class I can experience the show the same, like obviously I am able to see the parts that would not happen in a school at all, but I am able to see what could really happen. I think this show is a good way to see how pop culture within a show changed over time, while it was filmed and designed for people growing up in the 90's I think some of it applies today as well as when I was growing up. -Kailei
One show I saw a lot because of my sister was Zoey 101. But, this show didn't focus on education that I remember. It was more about the students and their drama. I feel like a show like this focuses on the social part of school and making relationships or even enemies. Also, I didn't know what a boarding school was, so I the school looks nothing like my school
(Continuation) Any other show that had school in it had a different reason for the show that didn't exactly focus on education, such as Lab Rats or KC Undercover. _Joaquin
I spent a lot of time watching the show Community, which I think in some ways influenced my view of the college experience. I always admired the idea of being able to socialize with people who have had vastly different life experiences when getting to college. I think that I can discern that the things displayed in the show are probably not the same as what is experienced in actual community college.
(Sawyer)Most of the entertainment media I consume is a form of escapism and given my experience thus far as a student most of my life I tend to have not gravitated towards media focused on schooling in the past besides some outliers like Harry Potter which I would say is not particularly focused on the schooling part of the setting. One from when I was way younger that I would occasionally watch was a Disney channel sit com I believe was called ‘ant farm’ where there was a specialty program where younger kids with unique skill sets they excel at are moved a few years forward to high school where they are mixed with with older students who are usually apprehensive to them being there. My mind went to the show when we were talking about how now there are specialty centers that have some pros and cons in terms of the educational environments they provide kids and how they can be isolating. I felt that this show had a surprisingly healthy representation of people with different backgrounds, personalities, and skills being able to work through problems and put aside their differences. I think the show also promoted the idea of embracing what makes you different which a younger me appreciated.
Growing up, the school setting shows I watched were Victorious and Grownish. Victorious was more of a performance based school however, the teens who went there had lots of free reign and the teachers had low maintenance teaching styles. Yet, the students still cared about acting and singing well. In Grownish the teachers were childish but still connected with the students. Just like regular college students, the characters were struggling with having too much freedom. I feel as Tv Shows about school often show how teachers have actually little influence on your academic career besides assigning assignments and grading them. However, in class we have been seeing how teachers in tv shows are helping students get their act together and prepare for the real world.
I like how you point out the contrast between Victorious and Grownish both show a lot of freedom, but in really different ways. It’s interesting that even with low-maintenance or childish teachers, the students still care about their futures, which supports your point about TV downplaying teachers’ academic influence. At the same time, connecting this to class discussions really shows how those portrayals miss the deeper role teachers play in shaping students beyond just grades and assignments.
I honestly forget which shows I've watched that focused on schooling/education but I've seen bits and pieces of media like gossip girl, the OC, etc.. While these shows in my opinion don't focus on purely school material, I think thats the point. These shows reveal that school is about more than learning content, and promote the theory that schools teach life lessons, relationship skills, and common sense replicated nowhere else.
To my memory, Freaks and Geeks is one of the only shows that truly encapsulate what it feels like to be in high school. The show follows two groups of people, a group of freshman and a group of seniors. Written and directed by Judd Apatow, struggles such as drug use, romance, and bullying are explored from the lens of a small town in the 1970s. School is portrayed as more of a safe haven than anything else, and the students, while scholastically unmotivated, are passionate about other interests such as music. The school counselor, while initially introduced as a nerdy, tool character, eventually becomes a trusted guardian for the students.
One tv show I have watched growing up that has allowed me to view schooling and teaching in a new light is Victorious. This show is based in an Art school where it allows students to focus and prepare on their future career goals. Victorious allowed me to understand that teachers are meant to support the students and help them towards their goals.
I’ve watched Glee, Gossip Girl, The O.C., and Sex Education. With the first three, I never thought that’s what school was actually like because I knew they were just dramas and kind of over the top. They exaggerated things like cliques and drama for entertainment, so I didn’t take them seriously.But with Sex Education, I looked at school a little differently. It showed how teachers sometimes become like parental figures for students. One of the main characters basically learns more from a teacher than from their own parent, and it made me realize schools can play that role in real life too.
Some TV shows that I have watched that have influenced the way I think about schooling and teaching are shows like Victorious and Zoey 101. Victorious is about a group of teenagers going to a preforming arts school. This show changed my view on schools because these high schoolers had so much freedom. Their teacher also acted more like their friend instead of their educator. In Zoey 101, the kids in that show were at a boarding school which has both boys and girls. The show made school seem more social and focused on lifestyle rather than a traditional boarding school especially since the school was more prestigious.
I would say shows like Degrassi, Grand Army, sex education, and (One other but I can not remember the name). These shows do dramatize for comedic effect but the topics are very real and what many students in high school go through. Grand Army was cut after one season for being to raw, but I really changed after that show. Sex education does have a lot of valuable information for young people as well and explores a lot of uncomfortable topics. Degrassi one of the most ACCURATE depictions of high school ever. I grew up "sneaking" to watch this show because it was on teennick and I was in elementary/middle school. I did not understand then but as I got older I realized the just how turbulent that time can be for many. I think the themes we discussed in class are found within all these shows. However, the agency in these are mainly in the students. There are many plots throughout the shows but most times the change is because of one student or a group. Grand Army really is prime example of individualism as well.
Also wanted to mention that Degrassi and grand army talk about other issues that occur in inner city schools. They have some really tough topics like gang violence, drugs, SA, homelessness, domestic violence/abusive relationships, academic pressure, racism, discrimination, athletics, social class dynamics and the list goes on.
When I think about Education and television - Saved by the Bell comes to mind, and Jessie Spano’s caffeine pill meltdown always stands out. It’s funny and dramatic but looking back now through academic frameworks by Bulman and Labaree, it feels more like pop pedagogy rather than just sheer entertainment, and it shows how school is seen as a place to get ahead (grades, college, mobility) and also a place to express who you are and what matters to you. Jessie is chasing academic success while trying to prove her independence, and that tension is what finally breaks her down. At the same time, Zack is always scheming to “beat the system,” Kelly is framed around romance and popularity, and Mr. Belding keeps trying to enforce fairness. Bulman makes me see that these aren’t random plotlines; they are cultural tropes about what school is for and how to navigate that successfully. Labaree’s purposes of mobility, efficiency, and equality all show up at Bayside High, just wrapped in network family comedy. Watching it as a kid, I thought that was just what high school was like, but now I can see how much TV shaped my ideas about schooling.
The Jessie Spano meltdown scene can be seen here: https://youtu.be/1QBHO6ek2mU?si=V9uLjOjayrlRxOwb
Matt here- The one show I remember watching with school in it was Blue Mountain State. It was a funny show I watched in elementary school, and it gave a pretty false idea of what college was like to me. I always found it funny how some of the things carried over to college, such as free time and how relaxed people can be. I think the parties in Blue Mountain State were more lit than ones at vcu tho.
Growing up K.C. Undercover reminded me that students juggle responsibilities outside of school and that you can do anything. Victorious and iCarly highlighted creativity and expression, and Austin & Ally showed the power of collaboration and peer learning. After class, I see these shows not just as fun but as reflections of what schools and teaching can be if the options were truly limitless.
One show that influenced how I think about schooling and teaching is Victorious. It's an art school and showed me that high schoolers had a lot of independence to do their own thing and had no standard tests. It showed how the teacher really supported the students. It dramatized things about high school that I didn't take seriously. I also watched other shows that were in schools but didn't focus on the education much if at all. - Kayla
Growing up, I watched shows like Boy Meets World, Freaks and Geeks, and Gilmore Girls. In all these shows we see leading characters who are smart and hard working in school. I'd say overall, the kids had agency in school settings. I never really compared TV to reality, but the characters pushed me to work hard in school. Comparing the shows to my high school and college experience, we see these characters trying to find their own individuality, and sometimes that could alter how well they're doing in school. The main character in Freaks and Geeks used to be a top student, and when joining a new group, she started to slack in school. The main character in Gilmore Girls was so focused on being great at everything in school, when she received poor feedback, she dropped out. I wouldn't say I started slacking as I gained responsibility, but it doesn't get easier trying to balance more on your plate.
One show that I watched and influenced me to believe school actually great was victorious. I knew that school wouldn’t be just like that because they went to a school of arts. Where they sang, performed, had plays and argued all day long about nothing. One part that could be showcasing that the show is relatable is Tori and Trina always arguing as siblings because most of the time me and my siblings argue. Also how much teacher can care for their students.
One show I really liked and I feel influenced what school was really for was Victorious. It really focused on the life lessons that you gained from the school. Going to a school that wasn't the traditional "core" class school, because it was a specialty school, I could relate of having more creativity and changing what learning really looks like.
Growing up, I would watch a variety of coming of age tv shows with my mom like Gilmore Girls, the OC, and Freaks and Geeks. While high school may not be the primary focus for all of the these shows, the concept of youth, coming of age, and the American schooling system are all present. These shows all impacted the way I thought about school, putting emphasis on some of the social aspects rather than academic. This led me to believe school revolved primarily around cliques and other social aspects more than it actually does. I would say that the exaggeration present within the media when depicting high school definitely obscures the way younger audiences view things.
Growing up I enjoyed watching shows like iCarly, Victorious, and the High School Musical movies. These shows gave off the influence that high school is crazy clique-y, teachers were more scary rather than helpful, and just gave me a very sugar-coated vibe. While these observations were only half true in real high school, they shaped my early expectations.In light of our discussions, I can see that these shows functioned more as entertainment and social commentary rather than accurate depictions of education. They highlighted drama, cliques, and inspirational teacher-student relationships, but they didn’t fully capture the complexity of schools as places that balance academics, social development, and preparation for life beyond graduation.
Overall, I've never had an interest in high "school drama" kinds of shows, so any other kind of media that I consumed that had the recurring theme or setting of high school would be super-hero adjacent: like many different animated Spiderman shows or Danny Phantom. With what we have learned in class, I would say that this media generally had a "students vs teachers" tension. As someone who grew up outcasted and disliked middle and high school, I believe that is what made me seek out media that aligned with the idea that most teachers were obstacles, and most other students where your enemy. However, a piece of media that influenced the way I think about teachers and schooling most significantly would be Dead Poets Society. I watched this in my later high school years, and the plot had some very similar themes to my high school experience. It emphasized how much one teacher can really change the course of a students life be pushing them to be their best in what they do, which is how I fondly think of my past AP Art teacher. This movie made me see teachers not as a collective but as individuals, each with an experience to offer as long as you are open to take it.
Victorious was a show I feel influenced me on how I thought high school was going to be like, crazy but fun. Other shows like Degrassi, 90210 and Buffy also influenced how viewed school Obviously, the drama wasn’t nearly as prominent but it did shape the way I view dynamics between friends and between student and teachers. With shows like Community, it really made me want to go to a community college and it made me excited about attending college in general. Sometimes it can be as wacky as presented in the show but college is all about what you make it. I don’t think the same can be said about high school since there was more restrictions within and out of school. - Saniah
For me, 'Never Have I Ever' and 'Atypical' come to mind. For 'Never Have I Ever,' It shows that school isn't only about grades but also about discovering identity, culture, and trying to fit in. Although it is extremely dramatized for entertainment purposes, watching the main character Devi juggle expectations from her family with her own personal goals made me realize how cultural pressures and personal growth can be in spaces like schools. 'Atypical' gave me another entirely different perspective, with the theme focusing on the autism spectrum and sexuality. It highlights the importance of making schools more inclusive for students with different needs, but also the struggles of figuring out your sexual identity in a part of life where everything is undecided. After what we've spoken about in class, I see both of these shows as more than just teen drama and entertainment, but more as a way of showing how schools deal with issues like accessibility, culture, and the sense of belonging.
A show that has influenced the way I view schools and teaching would be Glee. In Glee every character plays a very stereotypical role, however they all share the same passion for singing. In my opinion Glee does a great job about showing how arts is a form of expression and helps form identities. The show covers a lot of topics we have discussed in class such as different agencies, social class and race differences.
By Mohammed Alhamadani Thinking about individualism, I realize it has come up in different ways across my classes. In my design courses, for example, individualism is often celebrated. We're encouraged to develop our own "voice" or "style" and not just copy what's been done before. Professors emphasize that creativity grows when you bring your personal perspective into a project. In that setting, individualism feels like a good thing-something that sets each student apart and makes their work unique. On the other hand, in engineering and science classes, individualism isn't always talked about directly, but it comes up in a different way. We work on group projects, and sometimes the focus shifts from standing out to learning how to collaborate. In those moments, being "too individualistic" can actually create tension because success depends on teamwork and clear communication. In those spaces. individualism is seen as valuable only if it contributes to the group's progress, not if it isolates you. From what we've read in the chapter, it's clear that individualism has both strengths and weaknesses. It pushes people to innovate, think critically, and take ownership of their ideas. But at the same time, if it goes too far, it can pull us away from community and make us forget that learning and growth often happen together. For me, the best version of individualism is balanced. It's about having your own perspective while also recognizing that you're part of a larger group-whether that's a classroom, a team, or a community. School is one of the few places where we get to practice that balance, and I think that's what makes the idea of individualism so interesting to talk about.
By Mohammed Alhamadani When I think back on how TV influenced the way I saw school, I realize a lot of my first ideas didn't come from actual classrooms-they came from shows I watched growing up. For example, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide made school feel like this crazy obstacle course you just had to get through with tips and tricks. Every episode was about dodging teachers, surviving homework, and dealing with classmates in the most exaggerated ways. As a kid, l honestly thought that was what middle school was supposed to be like: something to "survive" more than something to learn from. Then there were shows like Boy Meets World. At the time, I didn't think too deeply about it-l just liked watching Cory, Shawn, and Topanga grow up. But now, after what we've been talking about in class, I see how important the character of Mr. Feeny really was. He wasn't just teaching lessons from a textbook; he was always connecting schoolwork to life outside the classroom. He showed that being a teacher can mean being a mentor, shaping who students become as people. Looking back, that made a big impression on me, even if I didn't realize it then. The more I reflect on it, the more I notice how much TV shaped my early expectations of school. Some shows made me think it would be chaotic and full of tricks, while others made me see it as a place for growth and guidance. Now, I can separate the entertainment version from the real purpose of education. School isn't just about tests or "surviving"-it's about learning how to think, building values, and forming a community that helps us grow into who we want to be.
One tv I watching growing up was Boy Meets World, I think this show showed kind of what teachers and/or teaching is actually like while still appealing to pop culture and people growing up. I am specifically saying growing up because it is following the same characters from like 6th grade to college. I think even after being in this class I can experience the show the same, like obviously I am able to see the parts that would not happen in a school at all, but I am able to see what could really happen. I think this show is a good way to see how pop culture within a show changed over time, while it was filmed and designed for people growing up in the 90's I think some of it applies today as well as when I was growing up. -Kailei
ReplyDeleteOne show I saw a lot because of my sister was Zoey 101. But, this show didn't focus on education that I remember. It was more about the students and their drama. I feel like a show like this focuses on the social part of school and making relationships or even enemies. Also, I didn't know what a boarding school was, so I the school looks nothing like my school
ReplyDelete(Continuation) Any other show that had school in it had a different reason for the show that didn't exactly focus on education, such as Lab Rats or KC Undercover.
Delete_Joaquin
I spent a lot of time watching the show Community, which I think in some ways influenced my view of the college experience. I always admired the idea of being able to socialize with people who have had vastly different life experiences when getting to college. I think that I can discern that the things displayed in the show are probably not the same as what is experienced in actual community college.
ReplyDelete- Autumn
Delete(Sawyer)Most of the entertainment media I consume is a form of escapism and given my experience thus far as a student most of my life I tend to have not gravitated towards media focused on schooling in the past besides some outliers like Harry Potter which I would say is not particularly focused on the schooling part of the setting. One from when I was way younger that I would occasionally watch was a Disney channel sit com I believe was called ‘ant farm’ where there was a specialty program where younger kids with unique skill sets they excel at are moved a few years forward to high school where they are mixed with with older students who are usually apprehensive to them being there. My mind went to the show when we were talking about how now there are specialty centers that have some pros and cons in terms of the educational environments they provide kids and how they can be isolating. I felt that this show had a surprisingly healthy representation of people with different backgrounds, personalities, and skills being able to work through problems and put aside their differences. I think the show also promoted the idea of embracing what makes you different which a younger me appreciated.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, the school setting shows I watched were Victorious and Grownish. Victorious was more of a performance based school however, the teens who went there had lots of free reign and the teachers had low maintenance teaching styles. Yet, the students still cared about acting and singing well. In Grownish the teachers were childish but still connected with the students. Just like regular college students, the characters were struggling with having too much freedom. I feel as Tv Shows about school often show how teachers have actually little influence on your academic career besides assigning assignments and grading them. However, in class we have been seeing how teachers in tv shows are helping students get their act together and prepare for the real world.
ReplyDelete- Written by Jayla Alston
DeleteI like how you point out the contrast between Victorious and Grownish both show a lot of freedom, but in really different ways. It’s interesting that even with low-maintenance or childish teachers, the students still care about their futures, which supports your point about TV downplaying teachers’ academic influence. At the same time, connecting this to class discussions really shows how those portrayals miss the deeper role teachers play in shaping students beyond just grades and assignments.
DeleteI honestly forget which shows I've watched that focused on schooling/education but I've seen bits and pieces of media like gossip girl, the OC, etc.. While these shows in my opinion don't focus on purely school material, I think thats the point. These shows reveal that school is about more than learning content, and promote the theory that schools teach life lessons, relationship skills, and common sense replicated nowhere else.
ReplyDeleteTo my memory, Freaks and Geeks is one of the only shows that truly encapsulate what it feels like to be in high school. The show follows two groups of people, a group of freshman and a group of seniors. Written and directed by Judd Apatow, struggles such as drug use, romance, and bullying are explored from the lens of a small town in the 1970s. School is portrayed as more of a safe haven than anything else, and the students, while scholastically unmotivated, are passionate about other interests such as music. The school counselor, while initially introduced as a nerdy, tool character, eventually becomes a trusted guardian for the students.
ReplyDelete-Thomas
DeleteOne tv show I have watched growing up that has allowed me to view schooling and teaching in a new light is Victorious. This show is based in an Art school where it allows students to focus and prepare on their future career goals. Victorious allowed me to understand that teachers are meant to support the students and help them towards their goals.
ReplyDeleteI’ve watched Glee, Gossip Girl, The O.C., and Sex Education. With the first three, I never thought that’s what school was actually like because I knew they were just dramas and kind of over the top. They exaggerated things like cliques and drama for entertainment, so I didn’t take them seriously.But with Sex Education, I looked at school a little differently. It showed how teachers sometimes become like parental figures for students. One of the main characters basically learns more from a teacher than from their own parent, and it made me realize schools can play that role in real life too.
ReplyDeleteLexi
DeleteSome TV shows that I have watched that have influenced the way I think about schooling and teaching are shows like Victorious and Zoey 101. Victorious is about a group of teenagers going to a preforming arts school. This show changed my view on schools because these high schoolers had so much freedom. Their teacher also acted more like their friend instead of their educator. In Zoey 101, the kids in that show were at a boarding school which has both boys and girls. The show made school seem more social and focused on lifestyle rather than a traditional boarding school especially since the school was more prestigious.
ReplyDeleteIreland
DeleteI would say shows like Degrassi, Grand Army, sex education, and (One other but I can not remember the name). These shows do dramatize for comedic effect but the topics are very real and what many students in high school go through. Grand Army was cut after one season for being to raw, but I really changed after that show. Sex education does have a lot of valuable information for young people as well and explores a lot of uncomfortable topics. Degrassi one of the most ACCURATE depictions of high school ever. I grew up "sneaking" to watch this show because it was on teennick and I was in elementary/middle school. I did not understand then but as I got older I realized the just how turbulent that time can be for many. I think the themes we discussed in class are found within all these shows. However, the agency in these are mainly in the students. There are many plots throughout the shows but most times the change is because of one student or a group. Grand Army really is prime example of individualism as well.
ReplyDeleteAlso wanted to mention that Degrassi and grand army talk about other issues that occur in inner city schools. They have some really tough topics like gang violence, drugs, SA, homelessness, domestic violence/abusive relationships, academic pressure, racism, discrimination, athletics, social class dynamics and the list goes on.
DeleteWhen I think about Education and television - Saved by the Bell comes to mind, and Jessie Spano’s caffeine pill meltdown always stands out. It’s funny and dramatic but looking back now through academic frameworks by Bulman and Labaree, it feels more like pop pedagogy rather than just sheer entertainment, and it shows how school is seen as a place to get ahead (grades, college, mobility) and also a place to express who you are and what matters to you. Jessie is chasing academic success while trying to prove her independence, and that tension is what finally breaks her down. At the same time, Zack is always scheming to “beat the system,” Kelly is framed around romance and popularity, and Mr. Belding keeps trying to enforce fairness. Bulman makes me see that these aren’t random plotlines; they are cultural tropes about what school is for and how to navigate that successfully. Labaree’s purposes of mobility, efficiency, and equality all show up at Bayside High, just wrapped in network family comedy. Watching it as a kid, I thought that was just what high school was like, but now I can see how much TV shaped my ideas about schooling.
ReplyDeleteThe Jessie Spano meltdown scene can be seen here: https://youtu.be/1QBHO6ek2mU?si=V9uLjOjayrlRxOwb
Matt here- The one show I remember watching with school in it was Blue Mountain State. It was a funny show I watched in elementary school, and it gave a pretty false idea of what college was like to me. I always found it funny how some of the things carried over to college, such as free time and how relaxed people can be. I think the parties in Blue Mountain State were more lit than ones at vcu tho.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up K.C. Undercover reminded me that students juggle responsibilities outside of school and that you can do anything. Victorious and iCarly highlighted creativity and expression, and Austin & Ally showed the power of collaboration and peer learning. After class, I see these shows not just as fun but as reflections of what schools and teaching can be if the options were truly limitless.
ReplyDeleteOne show that influenced how I think about schooling and teaching is Victorious. It's an art school and showed me that high schoolers had a lot of independence to do their own thing and had no standard tests. It showed how the teacher really supported the students. It dramatized things about high school that I didn't take seriously. I also watched other shows that were in schools but didn't focus on the education much if at all. - Kayla
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, I watched shows like Boy Meets World, Freaks and Geeks, and Gilmore Girls. In all these shows we see leading characters who are smart and hard working in school. I'd say overall, the kids had agency in school settings. I never really compared TV to reality, but the characters pushed me to work hard in school. Comparing the shows to my high school and college experience, we see these characters trying to find their own individuality, and sometimes that could alter how well they're doing in school. The main character in Freaks and Geeks used to be a top student, and when joining a new group, she started to slack in school. The main character in Gilmore Girls was so focused on being great at everything in school, when she received poor feedback, she dropped out. I wouldn't say I started slacking as I gained responsibility, but it doesn't get easier trying to balance more on your plate.
ReplyDeleteOne show that I watched and influenced me to believe school actually great was victorious. I knew that school wouldn’t be just like that because they went to a school of arts. Where they sang, performed, had plays and argued all day long about nothing. One part that could be showcasing that the show is relatable is Tori and Trina always arguing as siblings because most of the time me and my siblings argue. Also how much teacher can care for their students.
ReplyDeleteOne show I really liked and I feel influenced what school was really for was Victorious. It really focused on the life lessons that you gained from the school. Going to a school that wasn't the traditional "core" class school, because it was a specialty school, I could relate of having more creativity and changing what learning really looks like.
ReplyDelete-yasmin
DeleteGrowing up, I would watch a variety of coming of age tv shows with my mom like Gilmore Girls, the OC, and Freaks and Geeks. While high school may not be the primary focus for all of the these shows, the concept of youth, coming of age, and the American schooling system are all present. These shows all impacted the way I thought about school, putting emphasis on some of the social aspects rather than academic. This led me to believe school revolved primarily around cliques and other social aspects more than it actually does. I would say that the exaggeration present within the media when depicting high school definitely obscures the way younger audiences view things.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up I enjoyed watching shows like iCarly, Victorious, and the High School Musical movies. These shows gave off the influence that high school is crazy clique-y, teachers were more scary rather than helpful, and just gave me a very sugar-coated vibe. While these observations were only half true in real high school, they shaped my early expectations.In light of our discussions, I can see that these shows functioned more as entertainment and social commentary rather than accurate depictions of education. They highlighted drama, cliques, and inspirational teacher-student relationships, but they didn’t fully capture the complexity of schools as places that balance academics, social development, and preparation for life beyond graduation.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I've never had an interest in high "school drama" kinds of shows, so any other kind of media that I consumed that had the recurring theme or setting of high school would be super-hero adjacent: like many different animated Spiderman shows or Danny Phantom. With what we have learned in class, I would say that this media generally had a "students vs teachers" tension. As someone who grew up outcasted and disliked middle and high school, I believe that is what made me seek out media that aligned with the idea that most teachers were obstacles, and most other students where your enemy. However, a piece of media that influenced the way I think about teachers and schooling most significantly would be Dead Poets Society. I watched this in my later high school years, and the plot had some very similar themes to my high school experience. It emphasized how much one teacher can really change the course of a students life be pushing them to be their best in what they do, which is how I fondly think of my past AP Art teacher. This movie made me see teachers not as a collective but as individuals, each with an experience to offer as long as you are open to take it.
ReplyDeleteAkiko M
DeleteVictorious was a show I feel influenced me on how I thought high school was going to be like, crazy but fun. Other shows like Degrassi, 90210 and Buffy also influenced how viewed school Obviously, the drama wasn’t nearly as prominent but it did shape the way I view dynamics between friends and between student and teachers. With shows like Community, it really made me want to go to a community college and it made me excited about attending college in general. Sometimes it can be as wacky as presented in the show but college is all about what you make it. I don’t think the same can be said about high school since there was more restrictions within and out of school.
ReplyDelete- Saniah
For me, 'Never Have I Ever' and 'Atypical' come to mind. For 'Never Have I Ever,' It shows that school isn't only about grades but also about discovering identity, culture, and trying to fit in. Although it is extremely dramatized for entertainment purposes, watching the main character Devi juggle expectations from her family with her own personal goals made me realize how cultural pressures and personal growth can be in spaces like schools. 'Atypical' gave me another entirely different perspective, with the theme focusing on the autism spectrum and sexuality. It highlights the importance of making schools more inclusive for students with different needs, but also the struggles of figuring out your sexual identity in a part of life where everything is undecided. After what we've spoken about in class, I see both of these shows as more than just teen drama and entertainment, but more as a way of showing how schools deal with issues like accessibility, culture, and the sense of belonging.
ReplyDelete- Alana 'Ana' W
A show that has influenced the way I view schools and teaching would be Glee. In Glee every character plays a very stereotypical role, however they all share the same passion for singing. In my opinion Glee does a great job about showing how arts is a form of expression and helps form identities. The show covers a lot of topics we have discussed in class such as different agencies, social class and race differences.
ReplyDeleteBy Mohammed Alhamadani
ReplyDeleteThinking about individualism, I realize it has come up in different ways across my classes.
In my design courses, for example, individualism is often celebrated. We're encouraged to develop our own "voice" or
"style" and not just copy what's been done before. Professors emphasize that creativity grows when you bring your personal perspective into a project. In that setting, individualism feels like a good thing-something that sets each student apart and makes their work unique.
On the other hand, in engineering and science classes, individualism isn't always talked about directly, but it comes up in a different way. We work on group projects, and sometimes the focus shifts from standing out to learning how to collaborate. In those moments, being "too individualistic" can actually create tension because success depends on teamwork and clear communication. In those spaces. individualism is seen as valuable only if it contributes to the group's progress, not if it isolates you.
From what we've read in the chapter, it's clear that individualism has both strengths and weaknesses. It pushes people to innovate, think critically, and take ownership of their ideas. But at the same time, if it goes too far, it can pull us away from community and make us forget that learning and growth often happen together.
For me, the best version of individualism is balanced. It's about having your own perspective while also recognizing that you're part of a larger group-whether that's a classroom, a team, or a community. School is one of the few places where we get to practice that balance, and I think that's what makes the idea of individualism so interesting to talk about.
By Mohammed Alhamadani
ReplyDeleteWhen I think back on how TV influenced the way I saw school, I realize a lot of my first ideas didn't come from actual classrooms-they came from shows I watched growing up.
For example, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide made school feel like this crazy obstacle course you just had to get through with tips and tricks. Every episode was about dodging teachers, surviving homework, and dealing with classmates in the most exaggerated ways. As a kid, l honestly thought that was what middle school was supposed to be like: something to
"survive" more than something to learn from.
Then there were shows like Boy Meets
World. At the time, I didn't think too deeply about it-l just liked watching Cory, Shawn, and Topanga grow up. But now, after what we've been talking about in class, I see how important the character of Mr. Feeny really was. He wasn't just teaching lessons from a textbook; he was always connecting schoolwork to life outside the classroom. He showed that being a teacher can mean being a mentor, shaping who students become as people. Looking back, that made a big impression on me, even if I didn't realize it then.
The more I reflect on it, the more I notice how much TV shaped my early expectations of school. Some shows made me think it would be chaotic and full of tricks, while others made me see it as a place for growth and guidance. Now, I can separate the entertainment version from the real purpose of education. School isn't just about tests or
"surviving"-it's about learning how to think, building values, and forming a community that helps us grow into who we want to be.