What stands out to me as meaningful about the class

 Blog #11

Video: Precious Knowledge

During class, one of the videos I enjoyed the most was "Precious Knowledge." I feel that this video left a profound impression on me because it conveyed a plethora of emotions while witnessing my Latino community strive to be heard and accepted. Furthermore, it led me to deeply reflect on my role as a future educator, understanding the importance of supporting all individuals not based on their background but because they are human beings. I want everyone to feel welcomed and valued in my classroom. As a teacher, I will work diligently to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and respects each other.

Article: Aria: Richard Rodriguez

This text was one of my favorites because I could relate my personal experience to that of the author. He talks about how some people struggle to want to learn and achieve professional and personal success, but there are certain challenges we are compelled to face, such as setting aside our language to learn another. Based on my personal experience, I acknowledge that the process of adapting to a new language is difficult; it requires time and courage. Personally, I have experienced very stressful moments because I have the desire to learn during my classes, but sometimes it is very difficult to understand them. Just like me, I know that children in schools go through this situation. Therefore, this text left a mark on me. I not only desire to teach languages but also to encourage and motivate my students in this tough process.

Activity: Service Learning

Personally, one of the most enriching activities for me was service learning. It was a unique experience that opened my eyes to the real situation in schools, just as described by the authors in the class texts. Additionally, I greatly enjoy interacting with children in a school environment, assisting them with their assignments, observing each other's progress, and above all, creating a special connection with them. This experience leaves a lasting impression on me because the bond I built with the children motivated me to continue studying and learning to be the educator they deserve.

                     

                                                            

Sharing a lovely drawing of my dog made by one of my students.

 

Queering our Schools

Blog #10
The author Olive Earley of the article titled "Queering Our Schools" argues in a clear and convincing manner that, despite advances in LGBTQ+ rights, many schools are still not safe and welcoming places for queer students. They mention that, although some states have legalized same-sex marriage, there are still cases of discrimination and violence, such as the arson attack on Sasha Fleischman, a gender-neutral student, on a school bus. This illustration provided by the author indicates the urgent need to address homophobia and transphobia in the educational environment. To achieve this, the author suggests that the educational community educate all students about sexual and gender diversity. This idea from the author, from my point of view, seems relevant and essential regarding the topic of inclusion and social justice, which we discussed in class. Essentially, the lack of teaching about sexuality and gender diversity in schools leads students to continue believing in stereotypes, discriminating against others, and bullying those who do not conform to traditional gender or sexual orientation norms. However, including information about different sexual orientations and gender identities in learning could help everyone in the school feel accepted and safe. Thus, everyone can be themselves without worrying about being mistreated. I believe that, just like culture, gender is also a fundamental part of who we are. Just as we learn about different cultures to understand and respect people worldwide, understanding gender diversity helps us to value and accept those with gender identities different from our own. In other words, we would create a world not only more empathetic but also a fairer one.

One of the quotes from the author that I particularly like is "Community is built by working through differences, not sweeping them under a rug." This means that for the educational community to be strong and united, it's important to address these types of conflicts and differences within the community instead of trying to hide them. By ignoring or minimizing issues of homophobia and transphobia, we are perpetuating a situation where discrimination and exclusion continue in schools, and we are missing the opportunity to create an environment where everyone feels heard or valued for who they are.
How do we tackle homophobia in our schools: Click Here

Eliminating Ableism in education

 Blog #9 

Author Thomas Hehir argues that ableism, which entails the devaluation of people with disabilities, is deeply ingrained in the educational system and society at large. He notes that these negative attitudes are deeply embedded in our customs and ways of thinking, and they have a truly detrimental impact on the education of children with disabilities. This limits their opportunities to learn and grow as they are deprived of access to adequate resources, necessary adaptations, and equitable treatment from educators, peers, or society in general. He points out that these negative beliefs not only reinforce prejudices against people with disabilities but can also lead to poor outcomes in school and employment for them. These viewpoints of the author seem quite solid and relevant in the current context. Ableism, like other forms of discrimination, is a very serious problem affecting many people in society. It is not only unjust but also profoundly harmful, as it undermines the dignity and worth of people with disabilities. Therefore, this text by Hehir leads me to reflect on the profound pain that society inflicts on children with disabilities. The way they are marginalized and stigmatized can have a devastating impact on their self-esteem and emotional well-being. Imagining how these children may constantly feel undervalued and excluded simply because of their differences is heartbreaking. Disability is not the real problem; it is the exclusionary attitudes and social structures that limit people. Being different is not a problem; it is a source of talent that should be celebrated in our society. I believe that the diversity in skills and perspectives makes our communities more interesting because it brings many different experiences and knowledge. It's important to create an environment where everyone can fully participate and feel included. When we accept and respect people's differences, we strengthen our human connections and build a better world to live in. Diversity is what truly brings life to our community.

The following article I'm sharing discusses how people with disabilities were treated unfairly in 2022. It focuses on the experiences of those who faced discrimination or encountered obstacles due to their disability. It's particularly interesting because it encourages reflection on the topic and helps us empathize with these individuals' experiences. Click Here

Bilingual Education: Aria; Richard Rodriguez

 Blog #8

The title "Aria," by author Richard Rodriguez, offers a profoundly moving and reflective account of the linguistic and cultural adaptation process that many Hispanics, including myself, undergo in the United States. For all of us, mastery of English and integration into a new society are key elements not only for economic success but also for social and educational success. However, this process is truly challenging and generates conflicts, especially regarding preserving our identity and maintaining our family relationships, as the author highlights through his own experience. When it comes to our cultural identity, we all experience a strong connection with our language, traditions, food, and music, among other aspects. Nevertheless, when moving to a different environment than our own, we may feel lost or disconnected, as our customs are sometimes not common or accepted in the new country. The pressure to adapt has led us to set aside aspects of our culture that we consider important, such as our mother tongue, in favor of the predominant language in the new environment. This dilemma becomes even more complex when we consider our family relationships. According to the author's experience, the physical and emotional distance that arises from linguistic and cultural assimilation can cause problems between generations and tensions within the family. Personally, I consider the assimilation process to be a highly difficult decision; it is as if we are forced to choose between seizing the opportunities offered by the new society or maintaining our roots and connections with our culture of origin. Prohibiting Hispanic students, or any other minority linguistic group, from speaking their mother tongue is not only unfair from an equality perspective but could also lead to social, emotional, and learning problems. Therefore, I agree with the author's idea that language and cultural diversity enhance the educational experience. While bilingual education is presented as a valuable resource for preserving diversity and preparing students for a globalized world, it is also crucial for them to feel like active members of the overall community. As a future Spanish educator, this reading provided me with a valuable lesson about the importance of bilingual education, which should ensure that students not only preserve their cultural roots but also feel comfortable and actively participate in the society where they live. In this way, they will be better equipped to face the challenges of an increasingly diverse and connected world.

Here is a link about the importance of bilingual education, its benefits, and its impact on students' learning: Click Here

Literacy with an Attitude

 Blog #7

In Chapter 1 of the text "Literacy with an Attitude," author Patrick J. Finn addresses the significant theme of inequalities in education, emphasizing the importance of critically examining literacy. He explains how many people fail to recognize the subtle systems perpetuating these differences. Put simply, the author is discussing how individuals from different social groups have access to different types of education and literacy. For example, the wealthy typically have access to an education that empowers them and enables them to hold important positions in society. Meanwhile, individuals from lower social classes often receive an education that only teaches them the basics of being obedient workers, lacking the ability to challenge the system if it's unjust. The author argues that this disparity in education contributes to maintaining social inequalities, as those with a more powerful education have more opportunities to improve their situation and fight for justice, while those with a more basic education tend to accept their circumstances. Additionally, he points out that factors such as the way different social groups speak and think can also impact education and literacy.

As a future educator, I believe this reading raises very relevant points about injustices. Like the author, I believe social classes can unfairly affect education. Individuals from wealthier families often have access to better schools and resources, providing them with more opportunities in life. Meanwhile, those from less privileged families may encounter educational systems that do not offer the same opportunities, making it harder for them to progress in society. Upon further reflection, I believe that receiving a good education is a right, and everyone deserves an equal opportunity, regardless of their economic status or background. The issue lies in people believing that education is solely fundamental for personal development when it is also crucial for societal and national progress. Ensuring equitable access to education is essential because it constructs a fair world and a happier place to live, from my perspective. People would prioritize learning out of a genuine concern for society rather than just pursuing or advancing in a high economic status. 

Why access to education is a key of systemic equality: Click Here

Video Analysis

Precious Knowledge: Click Here

Teach Us All: Click Here

Classroom Tour: Click Here

 Blog #6: What to Look for in a Classroom by Alfie Kohn.

This time, my focus is on the connection between reading and my personal experience. Firstly, Alfie Kohn argues that children deserve to have classes with chairs arranged around tables, so they are grouped and learn to interact with each other. This author's perspective resonated deeply with me. During my primary education in my country, chairs were always arranged in rows, facing forward; we were never allowed to work in small groups or sit in circles. I remember teachers arguing that this arrangement was to prevent distractions and interruptions during classes. Each student had their own assigned chair, thus limiting our interactions to those sitting beside, in front of, or behind us. This experience impacted my development as a student, both in high school and currently in college, where collaborative work is constant. I firmly believe that learning to work in teams should start from childhood, as the author suggests, rather than waiting until adolescence or adulthood, as this helps us develop fundamental social skills for life. The benefits of this methodology are numerous, from fostering shared responsibility to enhancing critical thinking, creativity, emotional development, and preparing for both academic and professional success. These skills are essential for building healthy interpersonal relationships, facing challenges with confidence, and making meaningful contributions in all aspects of life. Therefore, I consider the author to offer a highly relevant perspective in the educational realm. Additionally, I feel his message underscores that, at times, teachers and other adults overlook crucial aspects in the classroom that affect students by not providing the necessary support despite the existence of simple solutions. For example, by setting expectations about the school environment, such as classroom decoration, without involving students in this process. Instead of fostering creativity and autonomy by allowing them to participate in creating instructional materials and decorating the classroom, teachers assume this responsibility exclusively. This can lead to a less welcoming environment and a lack of connection and commitment from students to their own learning. Connecting this with my experience working with Inspiring Minds in the classroom where I volunteer, I could observe that in the classroom, there is not only instructional material created by the teacher but also drawings made by the children. Noah is one of my students who loves to draw, and when I interacted with him, he showed me a drawing pinned on the wall of himself and his family. I could notice that Noah felt even more valued and empowered, seeing that his experience and contribution were reflected in his educational practices. His expression of joy in showing his drawing on the classroom wall was an example of a deep sense of belonging and connection to his school environment. Therefore, like the author, I believe that students can feel more motivated and committed to learning when their creativity and participation are a reflection of the school environment.

More articles by Aflie Kohn: Click here