Mid-Semester State of Mind

I have realized that I am not the only one doing this work (Teaching), my amazing students are bringing their ‘woke’ lens to the classroom and responding in powerful ways. And the thought of how far I have grown on my own and together with my students in this learning journey sends a chill down my spine.

I find this transformation and transformative classrooms a big testament to Hook's vision of changing the way we think of pedagogy as liberatory for all involved in education. Hook in her writing said, “we are all striving not just for knowledge in books, but for knowledge about how to live in the world.”

From the teacher to the student to the institutions we teach and learn from each other in my new ways every day.

Hmmmmm, Hooks’ so powerful!!

I am most glad to write about the work and progress going on in my classroom, it is Hook’s belief in reflection and praxis, an action that makes it possible for me to teach in a relaxed state and have my students act on their own in the same relaxed state. 

No more calls to come to class early, no more respect talks, no more mobile phones distraction talks.

While I am glad about these improved attitudes and progress from the students, I am also careful not to be carried away and revert to using the Banking Model, rather than exploring learning together.

Thanks to Freire (Pedagogy of the Oppressed) for bringing to my notice and understanding about the different models of education, having Freire ringing a reminder bell in my head keeps me grounded and focused.

I have made a conscious decision not to be an OPPRESSOR in any form whatsoever (Unwash the brainwash)

Mid-semester seems tough on everyone, deadlines to meet, exams to take, classes to attend, OA, DQs, etc. to turn in every week!

In my mid-semester #BeYouTiful state, I have decided to approach my students as human beings capable of engaging in dialogue any day, anytime. 

 CONSTANT REMINDER:

1: Dialogue is Hope

2: Dialogue is Love

3: Dialogue is Faith

Without dialogue there is no communication, it is our responsibility to sit and listen sometimes.

How else can I handle the Mid Semester pressure and not let it affect my classroom behavior? 

 This question sat in my head without an answer but again thanks to Freire for letting me know that the “students and I can attain this knowledge of reality through common reflection, action and discover ourselves as permanent re-creators” (p.69).

We are co-learners in this journey so I must give students the opportunity to self-select, it helps them have more choice in the classroom.

These are my Mid Semester #BeYouTiFul state of mind and boy, never felt so good knowing that I am taking bold steps towards being a teacher and not an oppressor.

I hope like me, you’re all having a #BeYouTiFul Mid Semester state of mind…… 

Sources

Hooks, B. (1994). Teaching to transgress: Education as the practice of freedom. New York: Routledge.

 

Freire, P.  (1970/2000). Pedagogy of the oppressed: 30th Anniversary Edition. New York:  Continuum.

 

Steve, W. (2017). Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed: A visual summary

http://meaning.guide/index.php/2017/07/21/paulo-freires-pedagogy-of-the-oppressed-a-visual-summary/