Blog Post #4 (Connections)

Other People's Children: The Silenced Dialogue: Power and Pedagogy in Educating Other People's Children 

By Lisa Delpit

These are some Key points I noticed when reading this.

Cultural Conflicts in Education: Delpit discusses how cultural differences between teachers and students can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. She emphasizes that many teachers, often from middle-class backgrounds, may not fully understand the cultural contexts of their students, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Power Dynamics: The book delves into the power dynamics present in educational settings. Delpit argues that traditional pedagogical approaches often silence the voices of students of color and their communities. She calls for a more inclusive approach that recognizes and values the cultural capital that these students bring to the classroom.

The Need for Explicit Instruction: Delpit highlights the importance of explicit instruction in teaching standard academic skills. She suggests that while progressive, student-centered approaches have their merits, they may not always serve the needs of all students, particularly those who are not familiar with the implicit rules of the dominant culture.

Empowering Teachers and Students: Delpit advocates for empowering both teachers and students by fostering open dialogues about race, culture, and power in education. She encourages teachers to listen to the voices of their students and their communities and to adapt their teaching methods to be more culturally responsive.

Practical Strategies: The book provides practical strategies for teachers to bridge cultural gaps and create more equitable and effective learning environments. These include building strong relationships with students, incorporating culturally relevant materials, and being mindful of the diverse ways that students learn.

Overall, Lisa Delpit's "Other People's Children" calls for a more equitable and culturally responsive approach to education that acknowledges and addresses the power imbalances and cultural differences in the classroom. I believe  Delpit feels quite passionate about the need for change in education. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing cultural differences and the power dynamics at play in classrooms. Her advocacy for more inclusive practices shows that she genuinely cares about empowering both students and teachers. Overall, she seems to believe that addressing these issues is crucial for creating a more equitable educational system. 

Blog Post #3 (Connections)

The Academic and Social Value of Ethnic Studies, A Research Review

By Christine E. Sleeter

Here are some key points I noticed in this reading.

Academic Benefits: Sleeter's review highlights that ethnic studies programs can significantly improve academic outcomes for students. These programs help increase student engagement, attendance, and academic achievement, especially among students of color. By providing a curriculum that reflects their own histories and cultures, ethnic studies help students feel more connected and invested in their education.

Social and Emotional Benefits: The review also discusses the positive social and emotional impacts of ethnic studies. These programs promote a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures, which can reduce racial prejudice and stereotypes. Students who participate in ethnic studies often develop a stronger sense of identity and self-worth, as well as improved intergroup relations.

Critical Thinking and Civic Engagement: Ethnic studies encourage critical thinking by challenging students to analyze and question historical narratives and societal structures. This critical approach not only enhances students' analytical skills but also fosters a sense of civic responsibility and activism. Students are more likely to become engaged citizens who advocate for social justice and equity.

Overall, Christine E. Sleeter's research review makes a strong case for the inclusion of ethnic studies in educational curricula, demonstrating that these programs offer significant academic, social, and civic benefits for students. Sleeter's stance on ethnic studies is clear and supportive. She presents a strong argument in favor of these programs, emphasizing their numerous benefits. Sleeter believes that ethnic studies are crucial for fostering academic success, social and emotional development, and critical thinking skills among students. She views ethnic studies as a powerful tool to enhance educational equity and to create a more inclusive and just society. By highlighting the positive outcomes associated with ethnic studies, Sleeter advocates for their widespread implementation in schools, stressing that they are not only beneficial but necessary for a well-rounded and effective education.

Blog Post #2 (Connections)

Standardized Testing: Khan argues that the emphasis on standardized testing stifles creativity and critical thinking. It forces teachers to teach to the test rather than focusing on deeper learning.

One-Size-Fits-All Approach: The traditional classroom model, where one teacher lectures to many students, does not cater to individual learning paces and styles. Some students are left behind, while others are not sufficiently challenged.

Fixed Time and Variable Learning: In the current system, all students are expected to learn at the same pace within a fixed time frame. This leads to gaps in understanding, as students who don't grasp a concept are forced to move on to the next topic.

Lack of Real-World Relevance: Khan criticizes the curriculum for being disconnected from real-world applications. Students often fail to see the relevance of what they're learning, which diminishes their motivation.

 Inefficient Use of Technology: Although technology has the potential to transform education, it is often used in limited and ineffective ways in traditional classrooms.

Khan advocates for a more personalized, mastery-based approach to education, where students can learn at their own pace and teachers can focus on facilitating rather than lecturing. He believes that this model can better prepare students for the challenges of the future.

Shifting the Paradigm

"Shifting the Paradigm from Deficit Oriented Schools to Asset Based Models: Why Leaders Need to Promote an Asset Orientation in our Schools" by Shannon Renkly and Katherine Bertolini

I think we should start focusing more on the strengths and unique qualities that students bring to the table instead of just pointing out their weaknesses. Like, when we talk about schools, we could highlight the cool things kids are doing, their creativity, and how they can contribute positively to their communities. It’s all about creating a more supportive vibe where everyone feels valued and encouraged to grow! 

The authors, Shannon Renkly and Katherine Bertolini, talked about this by emphasizing the need to change the narrative around education. They pointed out that traditional deficit-oriented models often focus on what students are lacking, which can lead to negative perceptions and low expectations. Instead, they advocate for an asset-based approach, which recognizes and builds on students' strengths and potential. They argue that by shifting to an asset-based model, educators and leaders can create a more inclusive and supportive environment. This involves highlighting students' talents, skills, and unique contributions. The authors also discuss practical strategies for making this shift, such as providing professional development for teachers, adjusting the curriculum to be more inclusive, and implementing policies that promote equity. Overall, they believe that by focusing on what students can do and their potential, we can create a more positive and effective educational experience. This approach encourages a more supportive and empowering atmosphere in schools, where all students feel valued and capable of success.

My First Post

 Hello!!! I'm Shaine, I use He/Him Pronouns. I'm an art education major, I hope to have teach at a middle school or high school but I wouldn't mind trying elementary! I'd like to have my own art studio for a summer program in the future! I work at the Food Pantry on RIC Campus Tuesdays and Thursdays and I work with a small business called DownCity Design in the summer working as an Assistant Art Teacher! Outside of class I love to make art digitally on my Ipad using Procreate, I also like painting and reading. 

 

These 2 pictures are me at The American Dream Mall in Newark NJ, I went to NJ over winter break for a week.

 

This is me and my dog Chyna, she's really friendly, she loves people. And she's very snuggly

This is the most recent picture of myself, I really like how much my jewelry matched, all the blue is satisfying.

 

If you read any of this thank you I appreciate it! See you in class! :) <3