While introducing the Nepal school teaching environment Kumashiro discusses of how “common sense does not tell us that this is what schools could be doing; it tells us that this and only this is what schools should be doing” (pg. xxxv). Simply, why change what we teach when we can follow the seemingly proper curriculum?
There are many blind spots when considering how ‘common sense’ can effect learners. Kumashiro writes that it is easier to stick to the known ways of teaching than to challenge them. He also states that is has somehow become normal for big instances of oppression to become present in the classroom, without teachers even realizing it and “common sense needs to be examined and challenged” (pg. xxxvi).
It is greatly important for me as a teacher to learn how to utilize unique and powerful resources for my learners. There will not be a present opportunity for change without a solid understanding of what to challenge this ‘common sense’ with. I feel as though this class with help to enlighten me to different views of educators who want to see change in the curriculum. We have to first get uncomfortable to become comfortable with ourselves as teachers.
samanthaokrainec 