Week Ten: Is School a Tool to Shape how Students View the World?

How has your upbringing/schooling shaped how you “read the world?” What biases and lenses do you bring to the classroom? How might we unlearn/work against these biases?

This question is something that I have always pondered. I have mentioned to people numerous times that we spend more time at school than we do at home, and ultimately that is going to have a major influence on how we read the world and create our own identity. Growing up my schedule would often look like this: morning practice, school, work, evening practice, homework, etc. I would leave home before the sunrise and return home after sunset. Especially in high school, I would sometimes go a few days without seeing my parents because of the crazy busy schedule of leaving early in the morning and returning late at night. The time that we spend at school, whether by choice or just scheduled class time has a direct influence on the opinions and perspectives that we place on the world. Often and most likely, this has a major influence by who we are surrounded by, which can be teachers, coaches, friends, and classmates.

Growing up and presently, I consistently thought that it was important to be a leader and not a follower. I wanted to be confident in my decisions and worldviews. In elementary school, I would say that I did a good job of this. I stayed true to who I was and was able to be independent, but still being sure to ask questions when uncertain. In high school, I feel like I relied on people more and was more worried about what other people were doing. It was easier to go along with opinions, without recognizing that I could develop my own opinion. This perspective is one that I definitely do not want to bring to the classroom. Rather, I want to bring the lens of independency in each individual, but knowing that students have the support of one another. I want students to know it is okay to question opinions and do their own research on a topic to further their understanding. It is not a bad aspect to readjust your worldview, because that means growth is occurring.

To unlearn and work against these biases, I believe that it becomes important to remain open-minded. Especially, attempt to become open-minded in educating yourself. When we hear a story or perspective, we are often only hearing it from one side. Therefore, take time to perform your own research and ask critical questions. It is important to be able to have an informative opinion and understand why you believe a certain worldview. School is playing an essential role in the development of worldview and it is important to educate with factual information, while allowing individual opinions to be created.

Which “single stories” were present in your own schooling? Whose truth mattered?

In my own schooling experience, I attended a very white dominated elementary school. We were grouped together and there was little diversity. Even comparing then to now, I feel like there has been a major shift in diversity within the classroom and improvement on this ‘single story’. Growing up the school would occasionally bring in presentations about Indigenous culture. Often, or majority of the time, me and other students were confused about what was occurring. We were not well educated on the purpose of the presentation prior to it from our educators. I honestly feel like Indigenous education was lacking in my elementary school. Then, when I first stepped into high school, I felt underprepared about what I already should know. I wasn’t even comfortable with the basics about Indigenous history. I am glad that now I have made so much progress. I have been able to further educate myself through self-guided research and the classes that I have been able to take.

Diversity is such an important part of our everyday lifestyle. The truth of history and past events is so important because it can help heal society and relationships. Race is a major factor. The truth between the indifferences between white and coloured people is critical to evaluate. Hopefully we are able to move toward a world where everyone is seen as equal. It will take immense work, but every individual regardless of race, gender, culture, sexuality, financial position etc. is a human. Each individual deserves equal respect. Everybody is battling their own battles, so I think it is important to be considerate and understanding, while offering a listening ear, so that we can all support one another moving forward.

Amber Smith