Focus Question #5: Final Field Experience Reflections: Interconnectedness of Knowledge, Schooling and Society

I believe that the interconnectedness of knowledge comes from experience, learning, and through our contributions. I attended the Albert Community School for my fieldwork component, and every week I was placed in different classes. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed the grade 5 / 6 classroom because I supported the students in the English subject. More specifically, I guided them with worksheets related to spelling, vowels, and writing paragraphs. This was helpful not only for the children, but it also gave me the chance to support those who need it the most. On day two, I was assigned to work with the grade 1 students where the instructor had tables for the children, instead of seating arrangements. All of this support was beneficial because I learnt how to honor the different ways of knowing and doing, and how to foster hospitable learning spaces.

Not only did I give my support within the classrooms, but I also contributed within the school and Regina community. For example, I joined the “Books and Bannock” event to give away meals while engaging students and parents in the learning process. Moreover, I volunteer with the Muslim Aid of Saskatchewan by preparing and distributing food hampers for those in need. This organization focuses on downtown Regina to provide easy access to everybody, especially the Indigenous peoples. Working alongside these people is important because it gives everyone equal opportunities.

As mentioned in my autobiographical reflective paper, I have multiple beliefs that my parents instilled within me. These include being ambitious and hard-working. I saw that these beliefs were validated throughout every student at the Albert Community School. For example, I was guiding a student in their English homework, and he strived to complete the assignment before his classmates. I was surprised that he accomplished this goal. However, after submitting his assignment, the teacher mentioned that it is better to understand the requirements and take your time, rather than finishing the job quickly without putting in the effort. After listening to the instructor’s advice, this belief emerged, and I realized that our goals can not be accomplished without hard-work. Furthermore, I saw the grade 6 / 7 students presenting a hard-work ethic in mathematics. They accomplished this by cooperating with each other and constantly reviewing their material with the teacher. I constantly display a hard-work ethic in every activity that I am involved in, and this belief emerged after I observed the students interacting with each other. Therefore, I came to the understand that the interconnectedness of knowledge is also derived from learning and socializing.

Of course, in my higher-level education courses I will be required to answer more critical questions. Therefore, I would like to learn methods about where to start and how to approach them. I am also motivated to learn how to build bridges with students because I believe that every child matters.