One of the major things I will take with me from Morrell is not being afraid to push my students to achieve great things in the classroom. His discussion of community-based research projects was fascinating and he really had his students doing undergraduate and graduate level work as high schoolers. He says, “I believe that the work of the seminar stands on its own merit as an example of the kind of academic work student are capable of” (Morrell, p. 133). I couldn’t agree more. In terms of Freire, this type of work is “praxis: the action and reflection of men and women upon their world in order to transform it” (Freire, p. 60). Morrell also points out that “approximately ninety-five percent of the seminar participants either have been accepted to or are attending two- and four-year colleges and universities” (p. 123). I can only imagine the head start these students will have in college, not to mention how amazing a percentage that is. Essentially, what Morrell is helping these students do through community-research projects, is changing their future. They are actively transforming the system from one that would probably not have seen them in college to one where 95% of the students involved end up in college.
I also think his five unit plans for teaching popular culture were fantastic. I especially like that he has them viewing texts that represent their lives (even when he is making them read classic literature – Wright). I think it’s fantastic how he includes “In the Killing Fields of America” and Savage Inequalities. These are important “texts” and I think very pertinent to the lives of these students. All of these texts and the activities associated with them (particularly the Bigger Thomas trial), are clear examples of Freire’s problem posing education where, “the teacher presents the material to the students for their consideration, and re-considers her earlier considerations as the students express their own” (p. 62). I don’t know that I ever would have thought to teach my students these. I think one thing I can take away from Morrell is to get creative and think outside of the box when it comes to creating lesson/unit plans and choosing works to teach. Instead of being frustrated and saying “I wish I could teach this…” I can think hard and find a way to incorporate it. I think this is something that time and experience will help with, as well.
When I think back on this blog, there are four authors that really stick out in my head. Lisa Delpit, for one, is somebody I have read for previous courses. She has been very influential in my Master’s program and I will continue to read and reread her works and advice for support throughout my teaching career. Ernest Morrell and Paulo Freire will probably always been linked in my mind. Morrell’s practice is so driven by Freire’s philosophy and life’s work. I plan to finish Morrell’s Critical Literacy and Urban Youth and dive head-on into Freire’s entire Pedagogy of the Oppressed. I am fascinated to read more Freire. Lastly, Ed Hirsch, Jr. sticks out in my mind. I still firmly believe that what Hirsch is advocating for is misguided on the grounds of his list being made by and for the culture of power. In addition, I believe that this nation and its terminology and social practices are constantly changing, growing, and evolving. I do not think that what he wants will be able to keep up with the rapid rate of change (especially given the new technology and assumed growth of it) our nation goes through. I think what he advocates for is similar to national standards set by No Child Left Behind and I think it ignores local and community differences. I disagree when he says that multicultural education should not take the forefront. I believe I may be somewhat alone in my conviction against what Hirsch advocates for. I do not necessarily understand why this is, but I know that the name Hirsch will never leave my mind.
This blog has served me well as a place to mull over the issues and literature read through Literacy for Diverse Learners. It has been a place for meaning-making and connections between works. I think I have done some very careful analysis and digestion through this blogging process. That being said, I will not continue authoring this blog at the close of this class. However, I will take its purpose with me to my classroom someday. I know that blogs can serve an excellent space for students and teachers in the classroom. So, although this blog ends, another will continue.
No comments:
Post a Comment