Blog 1

• How does Kumashiro define ‘commonsense?’ Why is it so important to pay attention to the ‘commonsense’? 

Kumashiro defines connonsesne as when a group of people or community have a clear understanding of one idea and any different way of thinking or doing does not make sense or is out of the picture. Many of the time our perspective on things are one sided and we are closed off to all the potential possibilities because we believe that idea is of common sense. We often also face the difficulties with social pressure to conform to ideologies that are most common or well known or liked. Examining and challenging the norms is what will create a huge change in the educational system and curricula to help create a diversity for learners and exploring new ways of teaching this is why it is extremely important to pay attention to the commonsesne.

• What type(s) of curriculum model did Kumashiro encounter in Nepal?

The curriculum model kumashiro encountered in Nepal was different to what he believed was common sense. Instead of starting just after summer and ending just before summer like in the US as well as, at early morning and ending in mid afternoon. The schools in Nepal started in February. As well as seating the children all together, in Nepal they were spilt by gender. The Curricula in Nepal was very standard and strict. Instead of participating in discussion, the students preferred to sit quietly and read and write directly from the government issued textbooks. While this was commonsense for the students of Nepal, this way of learning would be questioned in North America.

• What type(s) of curriculum model is the “commonsense” model in our Canadian school system? What might be the benefits and drawbacks to this model?

Kumashiro explained, “Common sense limits what is considered to be consistent with the purposes of schooling. Alternative perspectives, including perspectives that challenge common sense, are already dismissed as irrelevant, inconsequential or inappropriate”. This explains the possible drawbacks to the knowledge of commonsense. For example something we believe and have known all of our existence to be true and correct may be wrong and different to many other people. The curriculum model of commonsense in Canada is we learn various subjects based on what will help us strive in the world. If we succeed or not is based upon the grades we receive and the feedback given on standardized testing. The benefits to this helps us as educators learn wether or not the students understand the subjects. The drawbacks to this way of categorizing students can be emotionally and mentally harmful on the students will of learning.