In “The Problem with Common Sense” from Kumashiro, he describes common sense as “what everyone should know” (2009, p.29). It is something that is traditionally done or thought in a community that one is expected to know or do without guidance. However, this does not necessarily mean that was is expected to be common sense is a good thing. This is why it is important to pay attention to what we deem “common sense.” When something is common sense, it is extremely unlikely to be changed or challenged. This can cause things to slip through the cracks, things that can be oppressive or restrictive. When these things become common sense it makes them harder to challenge because they become the norm that everyone expects to happen, for example, certain parts of curriculum that are not inclusive. People will not want it to change because it becomes a tradition; it becomes the way things are always done. This mindset privileges only certain perspectives while silencing all others.

One commonsense understanding I bring into this course about the curriculum is that the curriculum is a roadmap of things that students are expected to learn during the school year that is set out by the government. I also know that it is common sense to be expected to meet the curriculum no matter if there are any obstacles. I also bring some commonsense understandings about pedagogy. I know that it is common sense for pedagogies to adapt and change. I expect that I will know more about what is common sense when it comes to curriculum and pedagogy as I explore both things more and learn more about them during this class.