Students' moments of resistance in an eleventh grade class in Tripoli : a case study

Abstract

This case study revolves around moments of resistance expressed by third culture kids in a high school in the north of Lebanon. The focus was on Third Culture Kids because there seems to be very little studied about these types of students in Lebanon. Resistance studied was based on issues dealing with student identities after having to move to Lebanon, and students inability to fit in with the rest of the school population both academically and socially. The taught curriculum within the classroom also had an impact on the students academically and their ability to carry on in the non-Lebanese program in a successful manner. Results showed the different types of resistance expressed by the students which included mumbling, refusal to participate, silence, sarcasm, speaking in Arabic, and side conversations. Results also showed how the teachers and administration adapt the curriculum to accommodate the students, and how frequently the students resisted in each class subject. Reasons behind student resistance were discussed and recommendations were given.