Making Use of Critical Pedagogy

Chapter 27 discusses how knowledge is socially constructed and I couldn't agree more, especially when I compare the rural school I attended and the urban school I did my CURRINS 100 field experience for. The schools that have more money are more likely to provide a better education because they can afford a multitude of books and supplies and can create an environment that is beneficial to the needs of the students. However, the urban schools, because they are in poorer neighborhoods and have this stigma attached to the community that there isn't much hope for success, really take a beating in a lot of ways. Because there is a lack of money, there aren't enough materials that can aide in teaching, and as a result, what the students are capable of learning suffers. But despite that, when I enter into an urban classroom, I won't let that get in my way of giving my students the best education they deserve. I will incorporate literature that is written from their perspective so they can make connections from their lives with what is portrayed within the text. Students will be bringing their home lives into the classroom, and it can be very beneficial to not ignore that. I can't just ignore real world issues that shapes their lives. And, that can help in building their knowledge and create a greater desire in them to learn. In order to achieve that, they need to know that they can be a part of the change in those issues to better the lives of the next generation. But because I will be an outsider in their community in the school, I will have to listen to them, to find where they are coming from, and then I will be able to go from there to decide what is in the best interest of the students and their education.