EPIPHANY OF LEARNING REFLECTION NARRATIVE

Letter of Epiphany Curriculum Development EDCI 803 Rama A.Sadiq Kansas State University March 3ed, 2014

EPIPHANY OF LEARNING REFLECTION NARRATIVE

Dear Baidaa, (An English instructor in Dar Al Hekma University JEDDAH, SAUD ARABIA & a close friend of mine) I always remember you when it comes to education; your passion in teaching your students is one of the reasons I pursuit my graduate degree. I recall when you came back to me asking for advice and saying that I would be a good fit as a teacher. Well, I took your advice after having my daughter maybe because I want to teach her everything, I felt its a duty and that we need to deliver to our children and the coming generation. To be honest I had zero knowledge when I started my courses here at KSU especially, that the education system in the United states is way different than our educational system (Saudi Arabia) but, despite all these differences I think my knowledge grew up and I learned a lot of good things that I intend to share with you in this letter. When I enrolled in the class I am taking now I wasnt really interested in it, I was like Curriculum Development!! I already know how to write lesson plans, and I believe I can deliver the lesson to my students, so why should I take this class? Well, its a requirement! However, I noticed that I learned so much about curriculum and I am only half way through the class. As a starter, I want to let you know Baidaa that a good curriculum should have three focal points: nature of subject matter, nature of society, and nature of the individual; thats why sometimes we see teacher aims are different because each focuss in the curriculum with a different focal point emphasized. Going through the history of the American education it seems that we have a lot in common as both system are set up under the DELUSION that for students to be treated equal they must be taught the same way using the same material and evaluated in the same way. But, reading Deweys books cleared my eye that we are all divers and each one learns differently so really we cant teach and evaluate student the same way, we need to keep a lot of thing in consideration (for example special needs, talented kids, different backgrounds, culture and ethical thoughtsetc.), I totally agree That different forms of education can serve the kids according to their interests and their talents (Noddings, 2003). Maybe mostly because I came from a different background, and different way in living, which made me be an advocate for diversity. Also, most of our reading in curriculum development class along with a diversity class the I took meeting all the students need made me realize that people are divers and they come from all over the world; its already hard to adjust their living, they also need to deal with education!! Thats why as teachers we need to help facilitate and ease it for them. An a-ha moment for me was when I realized that by knowing and understanding the curriculum; its philosophy, kinds, and history I will achieve being a good teacher which is really

EPIPHANY OF LEARNING REFLECTION NARRATIVE

hard!!! Because throughout the educational history everyone tried to make a change but we all end up at the same place (play it safe, do what previous teacher did) we are afraid of changes maybe because it will take time and it needs courage and collaboration to do it. But I feel personally that our generation (speaking about you and me and all the Arabic women we are ready to face obstacles and challenges to change our culture back in Saudi and I think a good start is its educational system) so I hope I can take what I learned and try to apply it back there. And help you and other educators to MAKE A CHANGE. Another quote I liked in our reading in the curriculum and development class is what Dewey said: that the child is the starting point, the center and the end. His development, his growth is the idea. It alone furnishes the standards. (Dewey, 2001, p. 107) Most writer and curriculum philosopher aim for the same direction the child (progressive approach). Its been mostly going through and forward between traditional approach perennialism and the child centered approach progressivism furthermore it was reflected by the relative balance of political power at various times. Another thing that I learned and I love to share with you is the importance of the hidden curriculum and its use. We as teachers play a big role in this cycle. We need to play it right. For example we have to be really carful using the null type because if we mistakenly sent a negative message or vibes it will reflect in the future of the student. We want our students to make changes in society once they graduate. So along with the curriculum we need to teach them other skills they will use such as: working effectively with others, engaging with authority figures in an appropriate manner. Counts somehow mentioned how teacher role makes different he was quite clear about the question of power, calling on teachers to actively help shape the overall political picture: That the teachers should deliberately reach for power and then make the most of their conquest is my firm conviction....representing as they dothe common and abiding interest of the people (Counts, 2009, p. 4551). Even though he was focusing in politics he mentions that its the teachers role. One more point that was an epiphany for me is the tests and grads I agree with Eisners examination of standardsbased testing grieved the curriculum and asked: what connections are students helped to make between what they study in class and the world outside of school? (Eisner, 2009, p. 283) Really!!! What they are tested in are not what they will face in life. I truly believe in one of Deweys quotes: Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself so it should not be about grades and tests all the time. We need to find other ways to motivate the students rather than just the grads. This course helped me to expand my horizon and be open to learn more and respect others to be able to make a change. I hope this letter will help you as well my dear friend.

Regards, Rama

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References: Counts, G. (2009). The paideia proposal. In Flinders, D. J. & Thornton, S. J. (Eds.), The curriculum studis reader (3rd ed.) (pp. 4551). New York: Routledge. Dewey, J. (2009). The School and Society & The Child and The Curriculum. USA: readaclassic.com .Flinders, D. J., & Thornton, S. J. (Eds.). (1997). The Curriculum Studies Reader (4th ed.). New York: Routledge. Eisner, E. (2009). What does it mean to say a school is doing well? In Flinders, D. J. & Thornton,S. J. (Eds.), The curriculum studies reader (3rd ed.) (pp. 283). New York: Routledge.