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- How does Kumashiro define ‘commonsense?’ Why is it so important to pay attention to the ‘commonsense’? What commonsense understandings of curriculum and pedagogy do you bring with you into this course?
Common sense, according to Kumashiro, is knowledge that every member of society is familiar with or ought to be. In the West, practice’s such as saying Thank you, opening the door for someone and getting off a chair for a elderly is seen as “common sense” Kumashiro rapidly learns that what seems like common sense to Nepalis is not always so clear to her. She struggles to understand their way of life and feels lost and overwhelmed in this new society. I can relate to Kumashiro because when I first moved to Canada I felt similar difficulties adapting to what people in Canada view as commonsense compared to Somaliland.
I am entering this course with the common sense knowledge that the curriculum is a collection of educational standards established by the government for each grade and/or subject. Teachers need to always know what is appropriate to do and say to their students therefore having high common sense is a valuable quality to have. Due to the fact that it aids teachers in developing their skills, it would enhance their ability to teach and increase their efficiency. Teachers can better understand what to teach and how to teach it by using common sense as they navigate the curriculum they are expected to follow, With the mindset every student is different and learns differently.