Kumashiro explains to readers what common sense means, and most importantly how it varies between different cultures, by telling the story of traveling to Nepal with the American Peace Corps to be a teacher. In this writing commonsense is explained as the routine, actions, and behaviours that align with our ideologies and are therefore deemed ‘normal.’ As stated in the writing as well, commonsensical ideas often give us some sense of comfort. So it is important to pay attention to when we feel uncomfortable, like the students in the story felt about this new teaching style. All learning comes from being a little uncomfortable, perhaps because it makes us feel unintelligent and then we become defensive that your way is the only way.
“These ideas are often what help us to make sense of and feel at ease with the things that get repeated in our everyday lives.” (pg. 7)
This following quote “The lecture – practice – exam approach to teaching had become so ingrained in the practices of Nepal’s schools as to have become a part of “common sense.” (pg 3) Resonates with me because it is exactly what I want to avoid with my teaching style, to not force memorization but rather understanding and application. My understanding of the curriculum is that as teachers we are given options that allow us to explore creativity within its borders. For example, while teaching English you may have to attain a certain outcome but have a choice between multiple novels to teach, you pick which one you want to teach in order to achieve said outcome. This is where I want to make choices that are somewhat ‘outside the box’ and not just the mainstream classics. And my coinciding understanding of pedagogy that I bring with me into this course is that despite the many differences, we need to find some sense of relatability to our students. This will aid in their trust in you, belief in your authority, and their willingness to ‘buy in’ to what material or message you are trying to deliver.