What Was School Like Back in the 1980's-2000's?

I am a 90's child. However, that doesn't mean I understand fully about what learning or even paid attention to what classrooms looked like as compared to today's era, and what I face being a future teacher. Luckily, there is a way to see a glimpse into that life by watching TV shows that came out during that time. I choose a show that I absolutely could not stop watching while growing up. This show is called Boy Meets World. It was filmed from 1993-2000. It is a show about Cory and his journey throughout his school years. There is multiple life lessons that can be taught throughout each episode.

I will be focusing mainly on Cory Matthews, who is the main character in this TV series. During the first season, Cory was portrayed as a sarcastic, slacker who doesn't see eye to eye with his teachers (Mr. Feeny or Mr. Turner). However, in every episode he comes to learn a valuable lesson from either of them but it doesn't come easily for him to admit it. As Cory gets older and into college life he relies heavily on Mr. Feeny's advice. Below are multiple glimpses into the attitude of Cory and his best friend Shawn in both teachers classrooms.

^ Mr. George Feeny teaches a lesson to his class.

^ Cory Matthews learning something from his teacher, Mr. Feeny.

^Classroom interaction between Mr. Turner and Cory Matthews and Shawn Hunter. 

In order to determine the socioeconomic status of Cory, we have to take into account what his family income is. Cory's father works at a Supermarket. His mother doesn't work. He lives in a two-story house in a suburb area where the school is supplied with all the necessary or up to date learning supplies. Therefore, I would say this TV series is placed in a Middle level income class, Rural Secondary type of school/area.

For most of the episodes Cory tries to distract each class he is in. Whether that is speaking out of turn, sleeping through class, or even reading/listening to something else while the teacher is teaching. For example, Cory is really into baseball, causing mischief with his best friend Shawn. Therefore, his main goal is to be a distraction. Until, he figures out what either Mr. Feeny or Mr. Turner have been telling him can relate to his own life.  

If I were to come across a student like Cory Matthews I would have some strategies and technologies up my sleeve. Students who tend to act out more need to have information that they are excited about. For example, I would try to incorporate some element of sports in an activity. That way he is interested in learning about the topic and won't act out as much. There are multiple ways to do such a thing. Since I want to be in a lower Elementary classroom, I would include baseball books for him to read, workshops that incorporate a more sports aspect to it. I could create multiple worksheets for my students to pick but still have the same concept on it. I know in my classroom that I teacher assist at we do body breaks, which consist of letting loose of those built up muscles from sitting there. I could incorporate more of something that involves moving or sports/physical abilities.

Looking back at Cory Matthews school journey, I would say he definitely has potential of being college ready (which you find out in later seasons) but he has to work on his attitude towards learning.