Friday, August 5, 2022

On Teaching and Transforming


                                                                            by: JVC Abatayo

     Recently, I explored an enlightening educational video, as recommended by our Ph.D. Professor, which poignantly discusses the importance of curriculum through Andrew Hammond's analytical lens. Hammond underscores a crucial perspective on how educational institutions illuminate pathways of knowledge, designed to be advantageous for students' future journeys, while also critiquing the prevalent focus on grades rather than holistic academic performance.

Hammond provocatively questions the extensive emphasis placed on the grading system within our educational establishments. He argues for a shift towards valuing the journey of academic performance over the ultimate numerical outcome. Indeed, behind each curriculum, result, and grade, pivotal factors that cannot be overlooked emerge, which demand our attention and introspection.

Inspired by Hammond's analytical narrative on prioritizing cultural considerations before curriculum, if entrusted to establish my own school, I would embed flexibility at its core. This would facilitate a learning environment accommodating myriad learning styles and strategies, ensuring no student is marginalized or demoralized due to isolated poor performances. My ethos would hinge on recognizing various enablers and predictors that facilitate academic flourishing, with a special emphasis on experiential learning, enriched through social experiences, emotional connectivity, affinities, innovation, and creativity. This approach not only echoes the genuine sentiments of learners but also profoundly impacts their curricular interactions and achievements.

Moreover, I aspire to amplify the role of philosophical inquiry within the educational framework, nurturing student engagement and enhancing the reasoning skills, particularly among low-performing students. Philosophical inquiry, by addressing frequent, debatable, and central questions – such as those surrounding happiness, moral principles, existence, and knowledge – holds the power to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding among students.

The incorporation of philosophical inquiry in pedagogy stands out as a distinctive tool, unlocking students’ latent potentials, something unattainable through traditional instructional methodologies. It empowers students to demonstrate their aptitude in engaging in dialogues, utilizing reasoning skills, and participating in various classroom activities that symbolize proficient students.

In conclusion, the necessity to scrutinize, reflect upon, and reshape the curriculum is palpable. Ensuring educational flexibility is paramount to impart the holistic learning that genuinely addresses students' needs. As educators, it is imperative that we lessen our reliance on conventional educational paradigms, instead embracing innovative approaches that catalyze positive transformations within our educational systems.

 

Photo From: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/black-and-white-holding-hands

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