I feel Mary’s story exhibits how students can remain silent. Horsman notes that a student might feel shame because of the poverty, physical abuse, racism, oppression, or any form of violence that she has experienced (2000). This can create silences in not only writing assignments, but also in any other subject. This may also be because the violence has caused shame and loss of “sense of self” in the first place. A person who has experienced violence will be tentative in taking any for fear of feeling any more shame.
Based on my education and experience in the WVAE project, I have found that with time and an environment consistently sensitive to the “whole person,” my students have been able to establish enough trust and become comfortable with the learning atmosphere. It has then been possible for them to devote sufficient cognitive capacity for learning not only the basic skills required to obtain their GED diplomas, but also discover more about their individual needs, interests, and aspirations. Knowing these theories of the impact of violence on learning, I have found it necessary to evaluate our curriculum and program design. It is crucial that changes be made to accommodate students and help facilitate their learning.