We are the Dumping Grounds of Knowledge

After reading the second chapter of Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, I realized that in part, I did attend an oppressive school system.  My educational experience comprised primarily of read this, memorize this, learn that, get good grades, and regurgitate.  No discussion, or feedback from students, just sit, listen, and hopefully learn.  I had very few classes where the teacher tried to engage with the students or spark creativity.  Not many opportunities existed where we were encouraged to delve deep into the material and pull out information as to why this is significant for our learning, or how this material is going to help us in the future.

I agree with Paulo Freire where he implies that our educational system is flawed.  We are not producing machines, we are readying humans who think and interact with each other.  We are social beings who work best when we are allowed to interact and not be mere sponges deprived of the most important learning tool: dialogue.  Learning needs to be more than receiving, memorizing, and repeating.  Dialogue amongst students, interacting with each other and the teacher, provides for optimal learning that will be retained.  This is what creates a building block for future learning.

We are stifling creativity.  Today with the “Common Core,” concept, fiction is ousted and non-fiction is the teaching point.  It is a shame that a country so fixated on individual expression is assuaging creative development.

In a Nutshell

I am trying to put into this blog what I like, what I want to do, and what I love.  I like the outdoors and adventures. Going on a hike or rock climbing or just being outside with nature gives me a sense of euphoria.  I love studying ancient history especially Greek history.  One of my goals is to travel to Greece to study.   I find it so fascinating how events in the past are very closely reflected by the present and how the masses overlook this.  Because of my interest and love of the past and my lament for a world of repetition, I want and strive eagerly to be a history professor.  I want to help people understand and respect history.  I want my students to enjoy my class and look forward to coming every day.  I understand some may find history to be boring. I used to be a person that could find no value studying the past, and found such agony in studying the course work that was handed to me.

One of my biggest difficulties is possessing the ability to get my thoughts down on paper.  Quite often it is very difficult for me to even express my thoughts.  Once I sit down to begin writing, a wall forms in my mind and I become mentally paralyzed.  This is so frustrating because I have a wealth of information that I can discuss verbally for as long as the conversation continues.  I am hoping that by taking this class I will be able to overcome this obstacle by finding a solution.  I have a very important desire, my future plan includes being awarded a Masters degree and a PH.D.

I have very strong values in respect to family, honesty, integrity and altruism.  All of these personal attributes serve well for succeeding in my scholarly career.  Your values are what drive you forward and give you purpose.  One simply lives their life based upon their values cherished.