"Many of these leaders, however (perhaps due to the natural and understandable biases against pedagogy) have ended up using the 'educational' methods employed by the oppressor. They deny pedagogical action in the liberation process, but they use propaganda to convince.” (68)
- Paulo Friere
Key Learning #1Quality of Educators.
When I commence reviewing concepts taught in lectures, at times I feel frustrated as a learner. In particular, when the concepts are not explained in an effective manner. I find myself developing my own understanding and wishing the professor approached the concept "my way" the first time. The above mentioned quote by philosopher Paulo Freire, extracted from "Pedagogy of the Oppressed", definitely gave me that "light bulb" moment as a learner. It allowed me to realize that as an educator it is very hard to overcome the way you were educated. That is, educator's will educate the way they were educated. The question now is, Is this cycle vicious?
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Personally, I feel as though the cycle should be broken in the event that the educational method is flawed. However, in the event that the method is effective, I see no harm for the cycle to continue. Moreover, in the event that the method is indeed effective, it does not necessarily mean that it is the one and only. In Paulo Freire's last recorded interview, provided above, he emphasizes his defense on educating in the dominate pattern, but, as a learner it should be understood by the educator that they have the right to comprehend in their own way and it is just as 'beautiful' as the cultivated way. Educator's that forgo this philosophy, nourish one aspect of the divide further and counterintuitively inhibit learners to learn.
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Key Learning #2"Soft" vs "Critical" Global Citizenship Education.
Prior to enrolling in EM202, it never occurred to me that there exists two main dimensions of global citizenship education. However, after reading an article written by an educator Vanessa Andreotti, pertaining to "soft" and "critical" global citizenship education, I realized that I subconsciously have and am implementing both dimensions as a global citizen. However, it is very easy for one to suppose that the "critical" dimension holds a higher importance.
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Recall Bloom's Taxonomy, that the majority of educators try to enforce. I view that the "soft" and "critical" dimensions correspond to the bottom two and top four respectively. Notice that both dimensions fall in Bloom's Taxonomy. This goes to show that both dimensions are fundamentally important and that one will not arise without the other. Everyone should comprehend this notion, as it will enable one to successfully climb this virtual pyramid and strengthen their global citizenship status.
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Key Learning #3Social Justice Integration in Mathematics.
When and what is the appropriate time and manner to support social justice in education? The answer may seem very clear to the vast majority, that is in a sociology class or perhaps in the Habitat For Humanity club at your high school. When asked to develop an activity that could be used to support teaching for social justice. I genuinely, at first had difficulty in developing such an activity. The reason being is because I have been immersed in mathematics for the past three years, and could not seem to think in a non-mathematic outlook. However, I came to the realization that teaching social justice should not start and end in a sociology class or any relatable environment. Instead, integrate it in any sector. Below is the link to my activity where I integrated social justice in mathematic activity.
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Dr. Shelly M. Jones, an Associate Professor at Central Connecticut State University, begs the question "Can we teach mathematics in a way that empowers students to challenge injustice and inequity?" in the above provided video. She indeed supports and encourages my realization. Although she in particularly talks about mathematics, the same very phenomenon can be applied to whatever you are good at. Therefore, it is the ability to support social justice at any point in time and context, that makes you a more critical global citizen, which in turn will help diminish factors of the divide, like impoverished communities.
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