POV Fridays #1

Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings quote "we teach what we value" resonates with me on a personal level as over the past couple of years I have been reflecting a lot about my values, including my principles. I mention principles because they inform our values which are, qualities and standards of behaviour and I believe to discuss values you must consider the principles. Knowing ones principles can strengthen major decision making processes because you know what your goals are and what your boundaries are. One of my principles is the importance of community.

I believe as impartial as an educator may hope to be, educators will always inevitably teach with a particular lens or perspective (surprise, we’re humans with opinions!) whether it be consciously or unconsciously. In relation, it is important to develop an awareness or conscious practice to assess what we choose and why are choosing specific class material during course development including lesson planning. In other words, educators must engage in constant reflection and questioning to ensure negative or implicit biases do not occur.

For instance, a visual arts teacher with an Euro-centric education may not realize all of the art history lessons consist mainly of European artists. So, what does this tell the students who may come from various and diverse ethnic backgrounds? This hidden lesson will trickle down to the students, affecting both the interpretation of class material (ie. Are Euro-centric art the only 'good art' because my teacher only highlights these?) and fails to address the great artists form other regions (ie. Without further research or curiosity, students may perceive the artworks being shown as representative of the art world as a whole.) Even as educators will naturally be influences, the important thing is to address these moments head-on then find effective and beneficial alternatives that will better the students experience.

Please note, I do not refute the mastery of the artists discussed, nor do I advocate the dismissal or removal from the lesson plan. I believe this educator can include a variety of artists from all regions so students can have a vast knowledge based to engage in critical thought. I myself hope to be a facilitator which encourages collaboration and community building through discussion circles, restorative practices, and project-based learning. I value listening more than speaking, and speaking when to encourage more critical-thinking skills amongst students.