Blog Post #11 Reflection

  When you look at everything we have done this semester, what stands out to you as meaningful? Pick 3 things that you think will stick with you (article, quote, video, podcast, activity, etc)

First thing that stands out to me the most is the card game we all played together. That was a wonderful way to show students what it's like to learn things differently and have different culture norms and backgrounds. I was proud of myself for getting why we were playing that game and being able to explain what it meant afterwards.

Second thing that stands out to me is the day we talked about LGBTQ rights and whats going on in our country today with all the stuff that Trump is doing. It stands out to me because I was glad it was being brought up and I felt like my voice mattered in the class as someone who is trans. But it also stands out to me because i was so nervous to say whats on my mind but I did anyway, and it felt good to get it out. I do wish we talked about more of the stuff that Trump has done thats caused many other minority groups to suffer aswell, if you're gonna bring up one problem why not bring up more things he's done y'know? I want other students to feel like how I felt that day being able to speak whats on their mind.

Last thing that stands out to me is when we looked at the privilege wheel and shared with partners what privileges we have and don't have, it was interesting to see what differences I had with my partner, it was a very extreme difference so hearing each others backgrounds compared was interesting to hear. I even showed some friends outside of class the wheel and we talked about our differences and how it effects us, I think that wheel is a good activity for people to do.

1. The authors I've chosen for my Key Assesment are Rodriguez and Kohn.

2. Rodriguez's central arguement is the cultural conflict of learning a new language in a new country as a kid. Kohns arguemnt is that classrooms needs collaborative learning.

Blog Post #9 Dr Sasha Sidorkin Q's

 Dr Sasha Sidorkin Questions

1. Do you think that AI could ever replace teachers?

2. Do you think AI is developing like when the internet was? Referring to the different opinions it has when it was first made

3. What rules do you think is reasonable for AI usage in schools?

Blog Post #8 (Reflection/Quotes)

"Aria" Rodriguez  

Key Points:

Language and Identity: Rodriguez discusses how language shapes personal identity. He feels a strong connection to Spanish, the language of his family, but also recognizes the necessity of English in his education and social life.

Cultural Conflict: The chapter illustrates the conflict between his Mexican heritage and the American culture surrounding him. This duality creates a sense of alienation as he navigates both worlds.

Education and Assimilation: Rodriguez reflects on how his education pushed him to adopt English, which he sees as a means to succeed in American society. However, this assimilation comes with a price, as it distances him from his family's culture.

Loss of Intimacy: The author expresses a sense of loss regarding the intimacy of family life that was tied to speaking Spanish. He feels that by prioritizing English, he loses a connection to his roots and the warmth of familial interactions.

Bilingualism's Emotional Weight: Rodriguez highlights the emotional complexities of being bilingual, including feelings of pride and shame, belonging and exclusion.

These points encapsulate the central themes of language, identity, and cultural conflict in the chapter. This reminds me of my own experience with cultural conflict or Identity with my culture. A lot of people tell me that I sound "white" that I don't have a black accent, stereotyping what black people "should" sound like. It's strange to hear because it makes me feel like I'm not "black enough"

Quotes: 

Here are some notable quotes

“I was a stranger in my own home.”

“The language of my parents was not the language of my school.”

“I learned to speak English, and with it, I learned to think in English.”

 “I felt that I was losing my identity as I learned to speak English.”

“The intimacy of family life was lost to me as I learned to speak a new language.”

The third quote is really interesting because it makes me wonder what the author really means by that. Does he mean when he's thinking he's speaking english in his head rather than Spanish? or does he mean he's starting to think like an average english speaker like gaining American culture that is causing him to have different beliefs?

Blog Post #7 (Reflection/Quotes)

"Literacy with an Attitude" by Patrick J. Finn

Preface

Key Points: 

  - Finn emphasizes the disparities in literacy education, particularly for excluded groups.

  - He argues that literacy is essential for empowerment and social justice.

  - The preface sets the tone for advocating a more equitable approach to literacy.

Quotes:

  - "Literacy is not just about reading and writing; it is about power and the ability to navigate the world."

  - "We must recognize the stories of those who have been silenced by an inequitable system."

Chapter 1:

Key Points:

  - Finn distinguishes between "academic literacy" and "street literacy."

  - He highlights the importance of understanding the social and cultural contexts of literacy.

  - The chapter calls for educators to validate diverse literacy experiences.

Quotes:

  - "To be literate is to be able to read the world as well as the word."

  - "Recognizing the literacy practices of students is essential to bridging the gap in achievement."

Chapter 2:

Key Points:

  - Finn critiques the educational system for emphasizing standardized testing and rote learning.

  - He points out how these practices disadvantage students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

  - The chapter advocates for a more inclusive and critical approach to literacy education.

Quotes:

  - "Standardized tests often measure compliance rather than understanding."

  - "We need an education that empowers students to challenge the norms and question the status quo."

The way this author writes reminds me of how my Auncle feels about this subject.

Blog Post #6 (Connections/Quotes)

 Troublemakers by Shalaby (Preface + Introduction)

Some key ideas from the introduction are:

Marginalized Voices: The introduction emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of those who challenge societal norms, as their stories often reveal hidden truths about systemic injustices.

Resistance and Resilience: Shalaby discusses how individuals labeled as "troublemakers" often exhibit resilience and resistance against oppressive systems, showcasing their strength and determination.

Call for Empathy: The author encourages readers to approach the narratives with empathy, urging them to understand the complexities behind each individual's experience.

Social Change: The introduction highlights the necessity of recognizing and valuing the contributions of those who disrupt the status quo, as they play a crucial role in advocating for social change.

Some notable quotes from the introduction might include:

"The stories of troublemakers challenge us to confront uncomfortable truths about our society."

"In listening to these voices, we find the power to rethink our own beliefs and actions."

Some key ideas from the chapter "Preface" include:

Personal Connection: Shalaby shares her own experiences and motivations for writing the book, illustrating how her journey has shaped her understanding of the concept of "troublemakers."

 Empathy and Understanding: The preface emphasizes the importance of empathy in understanding the struggles of those who defy societal expectations, encouraging readers to connect with these individuals on a human level.

Challenging Norms: The author discusses the need to challenge societal norms and the bravery it takes for individuals to stand up against injustice, framing these actions as essential to social progress.

Some impactful quotes from the preface might include:

"Every troublemaker has a story that deserves to be heard and understood."

"By sharing these narratives, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that silence so many."

Video Analysis

 Classroom Tour

Blog Post #5 (Connections)

What to Look for in a Classroom By Alex Kohn

Here are some key points I noticed.

Student-Centered Learning: Kohn advocates for classrooms that prioritize student-centered learning. He believes that students should have a say in their education and that their interests and curiosities should drive the learning process.

Intrinsic Motivation: The book emphasizes the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation rather than relying on external rewards and punishments. Kohn argues that true learning happens when students are genuinely interested and engaged, not when they are motivated by grades or other extrinsic factors.

Collaborative Learning: Kohn supports collaborative learning environments where students work together and learn from each other. He believes that cooperation, rather than competition, should be the norm in classrooms.

Critical Thinking: The book stresses the importance of developing critical thinking skills. Kohn argues that education should go beyond rote memorization and encourage students to think deeply, ask questions, and challenge assumptions.

Teacher's Role: Kohn views the teacher’s role as a facilitator and guide rather than an authoritarian figure. He believes that teachers should create a supportive environment that encourages exploration and risk-taking.

Assessment Practices: The book critiques traditional assessment practices, such as standardized testing, and advocates for more meaningful and holistic forms of assessment that truly reflect student learning and growth.

Classroom Environment: Kohn highlights the significance of a positive and nurturing classroom environment. He believes that classrooms should be places where students feel safe, respected, and valued.

Overall, Alfie Kohn's "What to Look for in a Classroom" calls for a shift away from traditional, authoritarian teaching methods towards more progressive, student-centered approaches that prioritize intrinsic motivation, collaboration, and critical thinking. I believe Kohn feels pretty strongly about creating a more engaging and supportive learning environment. He really believes in the power of student-centered approaches and wants to see education that inspires curiosity and critical thinking. It seems like he’s all about fostering a love for learning rather than just focusing on grades or tests. What do you think about his ideas?