In the introduction into Kumashiro’s book, Against Common Sense: Teaching and Learning Toward Social Justice, Kumanishiro dives into what it means for schools to uphold what is deemed commonsense. What is deemed commonsense to one culture, may be entirely different to another.
It is important to pay attention to the “commonsense” because we may hold a sense of superiority to teaching practices done in different cultures. For example, Kumashiro is an American teacher whose job was to go to Nepal and show the teachers and the students the “American” way of teaching and doing. While it is important to share knowledge and different ways of doing things, you still have to be careful as to not impose cultural imperialism.
In Nepal, Kumashiro encountered what can only be described as a culture shock within the education system. The commonsense and way of doing things in Nepal was far more different than what Kumashiro experienced as a former American student. In the Nepal education system, it is crucial for all teachers to follow the textbook that is provided by the government. The textbook follows the pattern of a lecture, practice and an exam, a method of teaching that is no longer prioritized in westernized teachings.
As former student and future teacher in the Canadian school system, I have seen many forms of different teaching styles and some of them, such as the lecture – practice – exam method, are not inclusive to most students learning (my opinion). One of the benefits to Canada’s education is that it has been deemed more beneficial to students to have a more hands-on approach to learning and less lectures and talking at the students. I think different teaching styles are crucial for the advancement in students learning and our education systems. Also, here in Canada, our “commonsense” in schools consist of going to school Monday – Friday from 9am to 3pm from September to June.
I appreciate that you highlighted the importance of paying attention to what is considered common sense. Just as you stated “what is deemed “commonsense” to one culture, may be entirely different to another,” but just because something is different does mean that it is wrong. While Kumanishiro was certainly hit with a rather large culture shock he still remained open minded. The locals on the other hand were quick to judge and declared his way wrong. For example, Kumanishiro attempted to cook more amarican style meals but because they did not contain the “normal” lentils that the locals cook with they immediately proclaimed that he was unable to cook. He was more than able to cook, but just not the way that coincided with the locals idea of common sense. This concept can be brought into the classroom because I believe we are always learning even when in the role of the teacher. While something may not fit into what we believe as common sense that does not mean we should disregard it. Instead we should be open to it as we can learn and grow from it. It is incredibly important that we pay attention to common sense and I am glad you had this take away from the reading.