Entry 1

The first chapter of the Black ants and Buddhist is an introduction that implies teachers should teach in a critical manner. The author recounts the story of welders who helped car wash workers learn English. The car wash workers were learning English in an English survival course. This course was different than the traditional ones because they learned English while discussing their struggles. The narrator recounts this story on a response paper for a college assignment. The professor then introduces her to Paulo Freire’s pedagogy of the Oppressed. After reading through the book, the narrator realizes that students should learn from their daily interactions with the world and others.  She also agrees with Paulo that real learning takes place when the students are working with the teachers to construct new knowledge rather than the teacher having full control (Cowhey, 2006). The story proves that learning can be acquired through real life situations that the students encounter.   

            This article was interesting because it went beyond the ideal and common definition of teaching. Reading the article made me realize that as teachers, we can help the students to think deeply and learn the material in an interesting way. It makes more sense to teach with a true purpose. I understand that students struggle to pay attention because most of their coursework is not introduced in a way that is relatable to them. I believe that if more teachers worked hard to teach from this perspective, the world would be a better place and education would have a greater impact on the students. This chapter helped me realize that the education system needs improvement so teachers don’t only teach for tests but prepare the students for the future.

            I will definitely apply the information that I learned when I am in my class. I will try to learn from my students and they will learn from me. Teaching will be a mutual concept. During class, I will make sure to learn about my students’ interests and motivations. This will help me create engaging and exciting lessons. I am a true believer of modern lessons. They should make the students want to learn. I will also make sure that I am open to suggestions about how to teach something. This will make my students feel valued, they will learn the concepts, and they will learn how to use them in the real world.