The purpose of schooling

I believe school should be a time of discovery and learning from diverse opportunities. In class, we discussed the purpose of schooling and came to the conclusion that learning is not the same as being taught. Learning is multi-dimensional, and worksheets or lectures are often not the best way to reinforce learning. Yes, students do learn in schools, but sometimes they learn in spite of the schooling they receive. It’s sad that schooling often loses its appeal to children the older they get. Two sisters that I sometimes care for love to play school. They take turns playing the teacher and assigning worksheets. Unfortunately, as children get older, worksheets often lose their charm. A teacher must be alert and creative enough to include activities to reinforce and optimize learning. I believe this is best done in a safe and creative environment, including playtime.

After reading this week’s readings, primarily chapter six from Why Race and Culture Matter in Schools (Howard), I came to the realization that teachers are also responsible for developing cultural competence in their classes, encouraging better communication and understanding amongst diverse groups. I had previously been under the assumption, as the average person might still be, that children are color-blind and that if a teacher treats everyone the same the students will reciprocate. Unfortunately, the readings point to a different interpretation, even with young kindergarteners. “Seeing Color,” by Lisa Delpit, summed it up when she stated “What you value, you talk about.” If a teacher never talks about race, children will mimic what their parents say, or what they have seen on television, not always the best model.

Ironically, diversity is one of the main reasons I chose the teacher certification program I am in, rather than a private college I was considering. I realized my limitations as a white female and believed that a public university would teach me more about diversity than a private college could. That is also the reason I chose to add Spanish to my course load this quarter. I realized learning more about other cultures would help me better relate to a wider group of students. I am beginning to see, however, that my lessons about diversity will not stop after I leave this college. To be culturally competent, I must become a student of my students and continue to learn from them and their experiences.