Kumashiro describes “commonsense” as the “facets of life” and things that everyone should know and what we take for granted as we are accustomed to them. It is extremely important to pay attention to commonsense because they are the rules of how a society works and without knowing them you will not be able to thrive and live in that society. They are the unlisted invisibly placed rules that are needed to be known in order to succeed and “fit in”. Without knowing the “commonsense” of where you are, you could end up offending someone or getting into trouble no matter if you didn’t know these rules were there.

Type of Curriculum Model Kumashiro Experienced in Nepal:

Kumashiro experienced the lecture-practice-exam approach as a model of curriculum with his time in Nepal. Kumashiro wanted to include his own activities he created but the class lessons had to be centred directly around the official textbooks and there was no room for her own additions. They were on a strict schedule of finishing one section per school day so they could complete the whole textbook and be ready for the end of the year exam. This end of the year exam is what allows them to pass onto the next grade level if they do well. The students in Nepal were very familiar with this process and when Kumashiro said that their grades were not just going to be marked around their tests but also assignments and projects, the students thought he was joking. Another aspect of a different type of curriculum model Kumashiro experienced was that school didn’t open till mid-February but he did not begin teaching till late-February when “enough” of the students were going.

Types of Curriculum Models in Canada:

The Canadian school system’s curriculum model that is the “commonsense” model is actually slightly similar to the lecture-practice-exam approach, however there is more flexibility. Our school systems have an intense focus on four main topics of mathematics, natural sciences, english/literature, and social studies. These four topics are what are the building blocks to the curriculum and seen as the most important areas to focus on. There are other additions of electives such as physical education, arts, or foreign language classes that students usually have an option to take. The classes are taught in four-walled rooms where students are to sit and listen to the lecture. The teacher is supposed to be knowledgeable of the concepts being taught and know more on the topic then the student. The teacher is also to be highly respected in the classroom. We also have end of the year exams to test students on their knowledge of the concepts, however that is not the only contribution to a student’s mark. In our school systems we also have assignments, projects, group discussions, presentations and many more aspects that can also be a part of a student’s mark. The Canadian school schedule starts in the early mornings and runs till the mid-afternoon from Monday to Friday with Summers off. 

Benefits to This Model:

Some benefits to this model are that focusing on the main concepts that we mainly use in our life will result in well-rounded and knowledgeable youth and with the addition of the electives it also gives the students a chance to see what area they enjoy doing. The different ways of assessment with assignments and projects being a part of their grade then just tests is great for student’s who may thrive in other types of activity more than others. This also teaches students listening and cooperation skills that they will use in their future careers.

Drawbacks to This Model:

Common to other types of social norms, schooling “commonsense” can benefit only certain groups while marginalizing others. If we continue to uphold this strict notion of “commonsense”, it can allow oppression to continue to thrive as it makes people think this is the way things are supposed to be and we cannot challenge it because it has always been done like this. Commonsense does not allow room for change or growth, it privileges a certain viewpoint and allows this certain viewpoint to dictate how things should go. For example strictly focusing on the Western ways of teaching science and mathematics can cause a barrier between other cultures as they may have other beliefs to how things should be viewed. Also the strict lecture based learning can be hard for students who may not have the same focus other students have. Focusing mainly on these four core subjects can also create lack of attention or funding to the other subjects such as art courses. Students may prefer art courses because that is what they’re strong in, but having it focused on the other courses they may not enjoy as much can create a barrier between the relationship of a student and their schooling.