Blog Post May 3rd 2023
The Problem of Common Sense.
Common sense to Kumashiro is about assumptions, beliefs, and values that are such a part of our culture that they are not questioned by the people who think it is the norm. However, what we may consider normal and common sense may not be to someone else who hasn’t lived your normal. It is essential to pay attention to the use of “common sense” because we get caught up in our own opinions and ideals without considering others. We all live different lives and come from diverse backgrounds. For example, it’s common sense that every adult should know that you must wait to cross the street, whereas someone from a different country may come to Canada and expect the same traffic laws and expectations and not know that we do not just cross anywhere we like. We use the phrase common sense when unknowingly; we use it more in the context of following cultural norms.
While in Nepal, Kumashiro saw a very traditional and, some say, rigid curriculum model. The main focus is on the textbook that the government gives out. After that, there is a focus on lectures and testing. Teachers have a lot less control over how or what they teach in their classes than we do in Canada.
Commonsense in the Canadian curriculum relates to the word planning. We plan the year and plan our lessons. We do tests and follow the curriculum. We consider common sense pertaining to behaviour and expectations of that behaviour.
One thought on “Blog Post May 3rd 2023”
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Kumashiro’s perspective on common sense and its relevance in different cultural contexts. I completely agree with the idea that what we consider common sense is often shaped by our cultural assumptions, beliefs, and values. It’s crucial to recognize that our own normal may not be the same for others who come from diverse backgrounds or have different life experiences. The example you provided about traffic laws is an excellent illustration of how common sense can vary across cultures. What seems obvious to us, such as waiting to cross the street at designated areas, may not be the norm in another country. It’s essential to approach situations with an open mind and be willing to understand and accommodate different perspectives. Regarding Kumashiro’s observations of the educational system in Nepal, it’s interesting to note the differences in curriculum models compared to Canada. The emphasis on a rigid textbook-driven approach and limited autonomy for teachers highlights the variations in educational practices worldwide. In Canada, the concept of common sense in the curriculum is often linked to planning, both in terms of overall curriculum design and lesson planning. Your reflection on the importance of questioning and examining our own assumptions and recognizing the diversity of experiences is essential. By being mindful of the cultural contexts and perspectives of others, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding society. To leave you with a question, how can we promote a more inclusive and understanding society by questioning our assumptions and recognizing the diversity of experiences when it comes to common sense?