Brian's Class Reflection - 02 August 2011

Humility... it is what we all need to have. We need to understand where we come from, why we act the way we do and what our strengths and faults are. Yes we are "scholars" but that does not mean we have all the right answers. We need to remember to reflect upon ourselves and essentially check ourselves before we dismiss someone's ideas or claims. Everyone deserves to be heard, but at the same time we need to understand what a community is. We need to understand in and outside this cohort that we belong to a community and therefore rely upon each other and use each other. We all come from different backgrounds, but we need to remember that the way I live is no better than the way someone else lives.

I am saying this in context to stereotypes. In class, there was a sharing of essentially no acceptance because one did not fit the stereotypes of a group. Although it is far easier to put faults in other people, it is essential to look at your own faults. We are all biased, to say we are not is ignorant. Therefore why were we not accepted? What was in and out of our control? What could be done differently? Friere focuses on reflection, and I will push it to active reflection. To not question, to assume the answers, continues stereotypes and prejudice. One can question, why don't I fit that "stereotype" if I belong to that group? Does it matter that I don't fit this "stereotype"? Why are people in my group acting in this "stereotype"? What societal factors contribute to this "stereotype"? As you can see there are many questions and I am sure more you can ask, but we must remember to continuously ASK those questions and SEARCH for those answers. That is praxis - the search for those answers. Don't ever stop, don't ever give up! I don't want you all to stay up at night, but if a student doesn't understand a problem, step back, research, ask other teachers, find other methods for this student to understand. This should not only mean working with students, but working with yourself. Find yourself, find what drives you!

If you think you know what your life goals are and you know yourself... go back and reflect and seek greater truth about yourself. This can take a lifetime, so don't give in or give up.