What do you think about the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs? What did you make of the Ayers reading? Do you see the two questions as connected?
I think that the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs allows future teachers to consider what it means to teach from a societal perspective and helps teachers to develop their own teaching philosophy molded by culture, history, and humanism. Social foundations of education consider what society was, is and will become, and how that will influence teaching, as well as how teaching philosophies, teachers, and the school structure influences society. I think that social foundations of education provide a structure for teachers to form an identity as a teacher. I think social foundations of education are important in teacher preparation programs because they cover a wide range of perspectives that are interconnected with many aspects of teaching.
I thought that the Ayers article brought up some interesting points such as how we can live in a society where we are free, but not experience freedom of thought in certain school settings. I also thought it was interesting how just as schools can humanize us, they can also be responsible for dehumanizing and oppressing us. This made me think about how in school, sometimes we aren’t taught to think critically and have our own ideas. We kind of just have to swallow all of the information that is presented to us from the teacher and accept what they tell us as “truth.” The article kind of talked about that when it was explaining authoritarian schools where the goals were control, discipline, and management. I think that dehumanizes us as opposed to humanizing us because it teaches that we should just fall in line and conform instead of thinking freely and creatively, and having our own unique ideas.
The most interesting part of the article that stuck with me was the story about the student who forgot he had the gun in his backpack and asked the teacher to hold on to it for the day. I liked how the teacher used that opportunity as a “teaching moment,” however, when I was reading it I was conflicted on what I would do. I think it is one of those moral dilemmas where you don’t know what you would do unless put in the situation. There was also the issue of the teachers who changed the standardized test scores so that they could get paid more. I feel like some of the teachers in that situation may have felt that they could justify how what they did was right by arguing that they were underpaid anyway and not receiving adequate resources and funding. This is where I saw overlap between the two questions because teaching involves direct interaction with people in society. Humans are complex and therefore, teachers will be faced with numerous challenges and situations relating to ethics that are not black and white or right and wrong. There is a lot of grey area involved. The article brought up the point about how though we can go to others for advice on a moral dilemma, like the girl in the article who asked if she should move in with her boyfriend, we are ultimately the ones who decide what to think and what is “right”. Our knowledge in social foundations of education help to shape those thoughts and give insight on how to handle those complex aspects of humanity as a teacher.
I think that the social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs allow future teachers to see how teaching can be intertwined with different aspects of society such as culture and history. I think the social foundations of education allows for future teachers to figure who they want to be as teachers, be exposed to a variety of teaching philosophies and styles, and how school structures impact society.
Ayers article is very interesting in that it tackles education and teaching from a social perspective. Ayers discusses how education and teaching can be influenced by society though their history, their culture, and their norms. Ayers also discusses different styles of teaching affect students from a social development aspect. Ayers reading serves a good tool for future teachers to reference and read because it will allow them to read bout different teaching styles and how their teaching can impact their students lives by allowing them to think clearly and have their ideas about different topics.
I personally think that the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs are very important and closely align with the success of teachers. Having a social foundation allows future teachers to explore and analyze policies, practices, and theories that they then can bring into their classroom. Teachers are forever learners. Having a foundation allows teachers to implement new findings and making it their own as well.
Ayers reading was interesting in the way that he explained school and education to be dehumanizing. I can see systematically that schools can seem that they take away freedoms, but I think in today's society that has changed and the school systems are progressing to allow for individuality and creativity.
I think it is difficult sometimes the situations teachers are put in and how they should respond and whether it aligns with their morals/beliefs, what is right vs. wrong, etc. I do see the two questions as connected because a teacher has direct interaction with the bulk of society (and them growing up and teachers shaping their beliefs, etc) that result in also being exposed to so many diverse individuals. Our understanding of social foundations of education not only shapes us individually, but as a society as well.
I think social foundation in teaching programs are an important way to show different aspects of teaching in different ways. Many people see teaching methods based off previous teachers that they have had. I think by having social foundation in these programs you can organize and dissect the different aspects of the teaching styles that you have seen to understand how to be a great teacher yourself. By looking at the philosophy’s, cultural teachings and social interactions previous teachers have demonstrated and learning about effective ways other people do things, I think that the people in these programs will be better suited to handle certain situation in the classroom.
Ayer’s article demonstrated how much we are forced to teach a certain way. Many times, teachers want to teach things that may not be on the curriculum but are important things to know. However, by being in the school system we are stuck with this “free bird in a house” type environment. We have just enough freedom to feel as though we are in control to teach our students but in all actuality, we are forced to teach a certain thing with no room to stray.
I can see the relation between the questions, because of how teaching in the school system is. Many of us, especially the younger generation, are very passionate about our ideas (some of the older generations may even say stubborn). By having social foundation in the program, I feel that they are preparing new teachers for what is to come by giving the other perspectives and tools needed to do the job with the way schools are now. Hopefully, the more time that passes the more willing the school system is to adapt to a new way of teaching/ learning. But until then, these programs will do what is necessary to help make great teachers.
The mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is a necessity for future teachers to thrive. I think it is important to know the definition of social foundations but it’s imperative to process and understand what it focuses on. Social foundations are based on historical, cultural, and humanistic influences that directly affect society. These different factors impact philosophies of future teachers because they can process different views of their community and future students. I also think social foundations of education is the blueprint and support system of how you become a powerful educator. The Ayers reading began out with a powerful statement of saying how teaching allows a person to reach their full measure of humanity. This stuck with me throughout the entire reading because teachers are pillars of the education system. A teacher can lead a gathering focused on education with the emphasis to reach a common goal that will attract others. The reading also helped me realize that effective teachers have the ability to transform situations and encourage the next generation to be the best version of themselves. I also understand that before any change can occur, we must reflect on social foundations. For example, understanding the history of where you will be teaching is important to how your students may act or process information. To support this reasoning, Ayers states” schools do not exist outside of history or culture, they are rather, at the heart of each”. Schools were built based on their surrounding areas, such as the school name or even the physical appearance of the building. Ayers also helped me understand that schooling can be dehumanizing because of social foundations that were determined before any of us were born. I realized one important connection that social foundations and history has is how education is always for and against something. Education will never be neutral which is important to process. Our ancestors were always fighting for or against something and I feel as if this same way of thinking has now translated into our education system. Understanding the battle, forces teachers to have a balanced, inclusive and measurable goal for students. Overall, this article spoke highly of teachers while providing information that may be overlooked at times. Social foundations in education must be driven with the purpose of wanting to embrace and know our students. If we are genuine with our intentions and the information we seek to understand, then the outcome can only be positive.
I think that the mission of social foundations of education in teacher prep programs should be to the place where the teacher learns how to appropriately balance the different aspects and expectations of society, politics and others in the education field. This is the place where teachers should be exposed to new ideas to try in their classrooms to see what works and what doesn’t work. Teachers are often pegged as lifelong learners and this is a great place for them to start developing and learning the different styles of teaching philosophy.
The Ayer’s article really made me think about how we are “free”, but are we really “free”? What is taught in schools is determined, but I had always thought of school as a way to learn more information to open more opportunities. The students are not the only ones who are not free, the teachers are told what to teach and when to teach it. The teacher might not agree with the standard or might need extra time because the class isn’t grasping the topics, but she doesn’t have the freedom to make those kind of decisions.
I can see how the two questions are related. Teachers are put in situations where they have to make judgement calls and their understanding of social foundations. The social foundations that the teacher is taught in their teacher prep classes is what she then passes on to the students.
I think the social foundations of education in a teacher preparation program focus on the whole student. Preparation programs not only focus on what is taught in the classroom they also help students build skills for outside the classroom. The goal of preparation programs is to consider not just the school as a building but the school as a community. These programs focus on the community at large and how the community plays a role in our students lives. Teacher preparation programs also tend to emphasize social justice and equity by providing quality teaching to communities that are often unserved. Ayers makes a point to show how detrimental education can be if taught by the wrong teacher. Ayers says school can be the practice of dehumanization and unfreedom of the oppressed. When teachers chooses not to consider the social and political aspects of teaching they do their students a disservice. These authoritarian teachers do all the thinking and dictate their classroom. There is no collaboration in their classrooms and high expectations are not set for their students. When social foundations are not met or thought about in education, students have a harder time learning because their needs aren’t being meet. One thing I really liked about Ayers piece is how it talked about the complexity of education. He writes: “Education is always for and against something. It can never be neutral.” As educators, we must always advocate for our students. We must advocate for equal resources, equal opportunities and always see students as a whole. If we remain neutral in the face of injustice we are doing our students harm. Equity within education is something that we have to continue fighting for and it starts with a strong social foundation.
I think the mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is very important. It is incredibly important for teachers to know the social structures and moral codes that they and their students inhabit on a daily basis. Our choices as teachers affect our students and can lead to them feeling empowered or dehumanized, as Ayers states. If we decide to learn about their environment and culture intimately and how it is similar to and different from our own and are able to really honestly examine that, we will be able to make decisions that come from a strong social foundation. The Ayers reading really relates to this question of social foundation in how he talks about how schools can never be separate from the social and political climate of a place; instead, they are directly at the center. If we can instead approach education with the students' needs in mind first and with a strong social foundation, what then would be different?
Sorry my last post didn't have my name, so here's a repost:
I think the mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is very important. It is incredibly important for teachers to know the social structures and moral codes that they and their students inhabit on a daily basis. Our choices as teachers affect our students and can lead to them feeling empowered or dehumanized, as Ayers states. If we decide to learn about their environment and culture intimately and how it is similar to and different from our own and are able to really honestly examine that, we will be able to make decisions that come from a strong social foundation. The Ayers reading really relates to this question of social foundation in how he talks about how schools can never be separate from the social and political climate of a place; instead, they are directly at the center. If we can instead approach education with the students' needs in mind first and with a strong social foundation, what then would be different?
I agreed and enjoyed idea of the Ayers reading because I believe teachers should teach in a way that encourages students to seek “freedom” and to use their agency as they grow into adulthood and beyond. Instead of teaching nothing but “facts” I think it’s important to allow students to learn how to find facts, how to understand them and compare them and how to analyze and contextualize them through different lenses. This allows students to become aware of their own agency as free-thinking human beings. In this way, “freedom” in learning is when students can determine if a narrative is fact or hypothesis, truth or opinion. Once students discover and assert their agency, they can take ownership of their learning, the knowledge gained and how they move about in their life, learning and wielding their knowledge to better their communities. This concept goes hand in hand with the first question concerning social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs because knowledge, not only defined by retention of facts but the ability to obtain and evaluate them, is power. Knowledge provides agency which, in turn, leads to freedom or the pursuit of freedom.
First off, the section about propoganda and how education can be used as a tool of oppression -- "When the lies are bold and transparent, the message becomes even more overbearing: 'I have the power to speak falsely in front of you and you can't do a thing about it.' The goal of authoritarianism is domination." Ayers wrote this book in 2004 and it is freakily like he wrote it immediately after Trump was elected.
And the way he ENDS that section -- "Here is the classroom as a slave galley — the teacher merely beats the drum." What kind of crazy powerful line is that in an education text? Who gave Ayers permission to go this hard?
Clearly we need strong social education and cultural awareness for rising teachers -- we need to ask ourselves, as educators, what are we teaching for? How does what we are teaching for change depending on who, exactly, we're teaching? I think something we're missing in our education currently is the history of schools used as tools of oppression, especially Native American and Aboriginal boarding schools that were used to erase an entire people and their culture. Don't we see this somewhat mirrored in poor students going to boarding charter schools as their only opportunity for a quality education?
This text has given me a LOT to think about. My biggest takeaway is that if we want to be fully aware, cognizant, critically reflective teachers, we need to know the failings of education in the past or we will never overcome them.
The mission of social foundations of education in Teacher Prep Programs are needed because it helps future teachers be prepared not only for how to teach the curriculum but also the other outside aspects of being a teacher. It bridges the gap between the classroom and society. Its one thing to teach ,but its another thing when you know the history of teaching and its sociological,cultural, psychological, and ethical perspectives. Gaining knowledge on where education started and how it currently is, is only part of the battle. Being a teacher requires a certain level of understanding through reflection and decision making and that's what the mission is all about. The Ayers reading was very interesting. It mentioned how in certain situations ethics play a part and sometimes we as teachers may have to determine what the right way and wrong way is in certain situations even when it challenges our ethical views. I do see how the questions are connected. The article goes into details about some of the foundations in education, The issues teachers deal with and some of the circumstances they're faced with.
I think the mission of social foundations of education is a useful resource for teachers to obtain knowledge about the different aspects of education. Out of the 10 charts, #5 Some Inequities Are Hidden, Like the Effect of Parent Income, struck out to me. It is interesting how it stated that parents who earn more than 75,000 are more involved in their child’s school and different events. Educating teachers about this beforehand is extremely important so that teachers understand what to expect when working in urban schools. Parents who earn lower wages have to work more and are unable to be involved.
I felt that I was able to take a lot away from the Ayers’ article, and I appreciated that it made me think more about the idea of “humanizing” versus “dehumanizing”, and what actions I can take as a teacher to ensure I am helping my students expand their personal knowledge in a more intrinsic manner.
The article brought up a lot of memories from my school years. In particular, the story about his teacher friend who found a BB gun in his student’s backpack, and the anguish he felt for months later as he wondered if he had done the right thing. I personally got myself into trouble in middle school, and unfortunately I was a student of one of the “zero-tolerance” schools that Ayers also mentions in the article. I now know that I was just a kid that made a big mistake, but it took my own reflecting and reasoning over time to realize that. Until that realization, thanks to the authoritarian style reaction to my mistakes, I truly believed that I was just an inherently bad kid that did not fit the laws of society. Instilling this kind of thinking in kids is damaging, because they will go on to act as the person they are being told that they are. I believe that, had I had a teacher to trust like his friend, the way that I viewed school, authority, and adults in general could have been significantly affected in a positive way.
My only concern regarding the Ayers article was that, in my opinion, it seemed black and white. Do I think that schools have systems in place that might be dehumanizing and authoritative? Yes. Do I think that good teachers will find ways to spark imagination and freedom for their students, despite working in these schools? Also yes!
Regarding social foundations of education, I think that all teacher prep programs should include classes on the topic. Future teachers should be trained to consider the students’ diverse backgrounds and the communities that they are a part of together when approaching different subjects. Understanding social foundations can lay the groundwork for them once they become teachers, and help them to remember to always be thinking of ways to work with their unique population, wherever it may be. Social foundations of education is indeed related to this article, because its mission is to bring humanization back to schools.
I really enjoyed this article because of its in depth description of the essence of teaching. I liked the explanation of humanization and what role it plays in education and knowledge. This will help me become more continuously aware of what I am pouring into my students and helping them become more fully human.
I believe that the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs is key for linking different teaching strategies to what goes on in society. This all impacts humanization and impelling further knowledge. It's one thing to teach content to students out of a book or based on a curriculum framework. But once you make that content relate to students, the more engaged they'll be.
This article gave good insight on teaching ethical views. As a teacher, some topics are a little more touchier than others, and it is up to you to teach in a way that students can understand while also making their own standpoint. I was able to gain a lot of different aspects of teaching from this article that I rarely paid attention to before.
Paula here: I think that it is important that teacher preparation programs are implementing social foundations of education into the mission. Teachers are in a very powerful position in a child's life. Social foundations of education mean that the educator helps students to understand and analyze social issues both inside and outside of the school. Social foundations allow students to think critically about the relationship between education and society. The Ayers article made me reflect on how we are taught in school and to think about how I would want to teach in my classroom. It made me think of the lack of freedom students are allowed in the classroom. There should be a balance between allowing the students to make decisions on their own and critically think while the teacher provides guidance and still incorporates the curriculum. The humanism part of the article is pretty eye opened because you want students to grow and be shaped into their full potential and best self but often times teachers are not prepared with methods to be able to allow humanism in the classroom. There are ways to have a balance in the classroom. This circles around to the question of social foundations; it is important to recognize the culture your students are coming from to be able to reach them in a sense. The foundations of a classroom can be a combination of many different teaching methods, styles and theories.
I believe the mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is to make future educators aware that teaching in more than just delivering information to students. Not only do teachers have to be aware of what information or propaganda they relay but they have to be aware of how they relay the information as far as teaching methods. Information teachers pass should be factual and teaching should occur in a way that is not oppressive. The examples the article used were extreme in the abuse the students received at the hands of their “teachers” in the name of education. It does not seem like education was the true purpose in any of the examples. I think Ayers reading is reminds us what can happen when teachers are complacent and do not advocate for their students. It implies that teachers have an obligation to advocate for their students
I think the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs is to promote critical thinking in educators so that they can foster the same mindset within their classrooms. In order to do so teachers have to be informed of the history of education and its role in society throughout the years. Through the social foundations of education teachers are encouraged to decide “what they are teaching for” and “what they are teaching against”. Beyond content knowledge, what do they hope their students will gain from being in the class. Ayers argues that teaching is a moral act and educators need to understand where their principles lie in order to focus their efforts towards those beliefs. Through this approach, teachers are encouraged to raise questions and critique the field of education, and its role in their communities. Teaching with a humanistic approach places the student at the center of instruction. Teachers should strive to understand their student’s needs, interest, cultural values perceptions of the world, their community, and themselves in order to use teaching methods that will connect wit their classroom.
I think the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs to be extremely important in building/preparing great and successful teachers. These programs help teachers learn about all the different aspect that come with teaching, not just how to teach the curriculum. Such as, how learning about your student’s cultures and communities is so important to being a great teacher. They help teachers learn who they are and what type of teacher they want to be/how to be the most effective teacher they came; they do this by having teachers explore different practices, strategies, and more. To me the Ayers article shows why we need the social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs so, our teachers are aware of their school’s background and their students. Yes, as teachers we may have a certain curriculum we must follow and teach but if we have strong social foundations and we know our school’s background/history and our students background/culture we will be able to be a lot more “free” with our teaching, because we would be able to tweak how we teach the curriculum to fit the needs of our students in that school. But without that knowledge just as Ayer’s discusses this makes learning sort of dehumanized. On page 18, I think he perfectly describes what the good programs are doing (such as RTR) “I want teachers to figure out what they are teaching for, and what they are teaching against.” And “first becoming a student of your students”, these are they big aspect in being a successful, effective, amazing teacher.
I believe that the mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is to find socially/ culturally appropriate content to deliver to our students. The story of Dr. Willner spoke to me. He was sent to “save” students that didn’t necessarily need saving. I can see this happening in some high needs areas. We assume that certain individuals are in pain, struggling, or depressed based on their socio-economic status, environment, or because of a traumatic event that may have taken place in their lives. Without asking, we impose programs, lessons, and services to those we feel need them. This act is dehumanizing. We have taken away choice, and have told these individuals what they need and must learn. Teacher preparation programs should guide teachers down the path of discovering “what they are teaching for, and what they are teaching against”. We must first learn who are students are and allow them to express to us what they want to gain from their education. Ayers urges the reader to “become a student of your students first”. We must first learn who our students are and allow them to express to us what they want to gain from their education- democratic education.
I think the mission is a necessary portion of a the roots to be a true teacher. Being aware of the theories and philosophies of teaching help students be able to identify the problems of the work early and come up with strategies on how to cope and overcome while new in the system. Making new teacher aware of the politics and policies also helps the in understanding what they need to do to succeed and to find the best practices to help the students, which is the only true goal of the teacher.
The Ayers reading was almost frightful to read, its as if this is already know but having it there in writing lifts the veil and makes you see the unfairness of a system this was built to help people but sometimes only succeeded in hurting them. The quote from the reading that really stuck with me, “There is no promised land in teaching; there is instead that aching,presentant tension between reality and possibility.” This shows the frustrations of teachers knowing how to reach students and what they would need to do it but understanding that the resources and support will either by difficult to get ot impossible.
The two questions are connected as the mission prepares new teachers for the concerns that were brought to light in Ayers writing. Giving new teachers this help and strategies sets them up for knowing what they will walk into day one and to make sure they have what is needed not only to cope but to succeed in a broken system. Because regardless of the system’s problems they children still have to be cared for and taught because they are always the number one priority.
I think the mission for the social foundations in teacher prep programs is to get us to think more critically of the ways we practice ethics in the classroom, indeed as "moral actors" to use Ayers understanding of teachers roles. Particularly in underserved communities, teachers have to make ethical decisions on a daily basis that affect the ways students understand and interpret their social worlds around them. I think the mission of this humanist philosophy is to see how the power to teach ultimately rests with socially conscious teachers not in authoritarian regimes/colonial practices.
I think this was an important piece because it seems that moral reasoning is a contested area or school of thought mostly because the ethical action it presumes involves questions about the self and what individuals value and the degree to which they impose and transfer these morals to their students. This can be a thin line (between humanizing and dehumanizing subjects), which I believe this was an analytical point Ayers was meditating on when he was describing the ethical dilemmas of teachers that many philosophers have brought up before (Satre, Ardent etc...).
What do I make out of this? The confidence to teach your values consensually, regardless of the varying social locations and hierarchal positions a teacher or their students hold in society. You can communicate math, for example, to a low income student, connecting a concept in which speaks to their economic insecurity. You do not preach it or frame it in a way where a teacher's knowledge is going to limit the access for how that student freely exercises and applies math in the communicative contexts of their life.
I think this was an important piece of the article because it seems that moral reasoning is a contested area/school of thought when considering the ethical actions it presumes. This involves questions about the self and what individuals value and the degree and form in which they can impose and transfer morals to students.
James Here: My take on the mission of the social foundations of education is that it's purposefully left semi-structured to allow some wiggle room in the interpretation of what teaching philosophies should be centered on while still providing a framework for potential teachers in the field to work inside of. From this mold, teachers are able to think critically both in what their personal goals of education are and the expectations placed on them by the education system (SOL's, for example). In conjunction with the Ayers reading, I could see the sort of frustration that comes from being inside a system that is both humanized and dehumanized; one that tries to instill subjectivity (morals and lessons) and objectivity (facts and reasoning) into students. The awkwardness of this attempted compromise was personified on page 7, where a student felt like she wasn't at school to learn but rather be indoctrinated and where she had no voice in her own learning. This, to me, is he kind of horror story the mission of education is meant to evade at all cost, not compromise with for the sake of statistical analyses. Hence why the two questions are connected in a way, by bringing to light the harsh reality of school systems that HAVE to compromise to achieve (in their minds) maximum efficiency in a real world setting. It's why, at least on the classroom level, teachers are able to apply their own methods and tactics to teaching while adhering to a set of standards that the system places on them. While not perfect, it allows for a degree of experimentation that may yield some positive results that can then be used to better education in general.
I think that the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs allows future teachers to consider what it means to teach from a societal perspective and helps teachers to develop their own teaching philosophy molded by culture, history, and humanism. Social foundations of education consider what society was, is and will become, and how that will influence teaching, as well as how teaching philosophies, teachers, and the school structure influences society. I think that social foundations of education provide a structure for teachers to form an identity as a teacher. I think social foundations of education are important in teacher preparation programs because they cover a wide range of perspectives that are interconnected with many aspects of teaching.
ReplyDeleteI thought that the Ayers article brought up some interesting points such as how we can live in a society where we are free, but not experience freedom of thought in certain school settings. I also thought it was interesting how just as schools can humanize us, they can also be responsible for dehumanizing and oppressing us. This made me think about how in school, sometimes we aren’t taught to think critically and have our own ideas. We kind of just have to swallow all of the information that is presented to us from the teacher and accept what they tell us as “truth.” The article kind of talked about that when it was explaining authoritarian schools where the goals were control, discipline, and management. I think that dehumanizes us as opposed to humanizing us because it teaches that we should just fall in line and conform instead of thinking freely and creatively, and having our own unique ideas.
The most interesting part of the article that stuck with me was the story about the student who forgot he had the gun in his backpack and asked the teacher to hold on to it for the day. I liked how the teacher used that opportunity as a “teaching moment,” however, when I was reading it I was conflicted on what I would do. I think it is one of those moral dilemmas where you don’t know what you would do unless put in the situation. There was also the issue of the teachers who changed the standardized test scores so that they could get paid more. I feel like some of the teachers in that situation may have felt that they could justify how what they did was right by arguing that they were underpaid anyway and not receiving adequate resources and funding.
This is where I saw overlap between the two questions because teaching involves direct interaction with people in society. Humans are complex and therefore, teachers will be faced with numerous challenges and situations relating to ethics that are not black and white or right and wrong. There is a lot of grey area involved. The article brought up the point about how though we can go to others for advice on a moral dilemma, like the girl in the article who asked if she should move in with her boyfriend, we are ultimately the ones who decide what to think and what is “right”. Our knowledge in social foundations of education help to shape those thoughts and give insight on how to handle those complex aspects of humanity as a teacher.
I think that the social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs allow future teachers to see how teaching can be intertwined with different aspects of society such as culture and history. I think the social foundations of education allows for future teachers to figure who they want to be as teachers, be exposed to a variety of teaching philosophies and styles, and how school structures impact society.
ReplyDeleteAyers article is very interesting in that it tackles education and teaching from a social perspective. Ayers discusses how education and teaching can be influenced by society though their history, their culture, and their norms. Ayers also discusses different styles of teaching affect students from a social development aspect. Ayers reading serves a good tool for future teachers to reference and read because it will allow them to read bout different teaching styles and how their teaching can impact their students lives by allowing them to think clearly and have their ideas about different topics.
Sierra here:
ReplyDeleteI personally think that the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs are very important and closely align with the success of teachers. Having a social foundation allows future teachers to explore and analyze policies, practices, and theories that they then can bring into their classroom. Teachers are forever learners. Having a foundation allows teachers to implement new findings and making it their own as well.
Ayers reading was interesting in the way that he explained school and education to be dehumanizing. I can see systematically that schools can seem that they take away freedoms, but I think in today's society that has changed and the school systems are progressing to allow for individuality and creativity.
I think it is difficult sometimes the situations teachers are put in and how they should respond and whether it aligns with their morals/beliefs, what is right vs. wrong, etc. I do see the two questions as connected because a teacher has direct interaction with the bulk of society (and them growing up and teachers shaping their beliefs, etc) that result in also being exposed to so many diverse individuals. Our understanding of social foundations of education not only shapes us individually, but as a society as well.
Sheryon here:
ReplyDeleteI think social foundation in teaching programs are an important way to show different aspects of teaching in different ways. Many people see teaching methods based off previous teachers that they have had. I think by having social foundation in these programs you can organize and dissect the different aspects of the teaching styles that you have seen to understand how to be a great teacher yourself. By looking at the philosophy’s, cultural teachings and social interactions previous teachers have demonstrated and learning about effective ways other people do things, I think that the people in these programs will be better suited to handle certain situation in the classroom.
Ayer’s article demonstrated how much we are forced to teach a certain way. Many times, teachers want to teach things that may not be on the curriculum but are important things to know. However, by being in the school system we are stuck with this “free bird in a house” type environment. We have just enough freedom to feel as though we are in control to teach our students but in all actuality, we are forced to teach a certain thing with no room to stray.
I can see the relation between the questions, because of how teaching in the school system is. Many of us, especially the younger generation, are very passionate about our ideas (some of the older generations may even say stubborn). By having social foundation in the program, I feel that they are preparing new teachers for what is to come by giving the other perspectives and tools needed to do the job with the way schools are now. Hopefully, the more time that passes the more willing the school system is to adapt to a new way of teaching/ learning. But until then, these programs will do what is necessary to help make great teachers.
by Sharese Williams:
ReplyDeleteThe mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is a necessity for future teachers to thrive. I think it is important to know the definition of social foundations but it’s imperative to process and understand what it focuses on. Social foundations are based on historical, cultural, and humanistic influences that directly affect society. These different factors impact philosophies of future teachers because they can process different views of their community and future students. I also think social foundations of education is the blueprint and support system of how you become a powerful educator.
The Ayers reading began out with a powerful statement of saying how teaching allows a person to reach their full measure of humanity. This stuck with me throughout the entire reading because teachers are pillars of the education system. A teacher can lead a gathering focused on education with the emphasis to reach a common goal that will attract others. The reading also helped me realize that effective teachers have the ability to transform situations and encourage the next generation to be the best version of themselves. I also understand that before any change can occur, we must reflect on social foundations. For example, understanding the history of where you will be teaching is important to how your students may act or process information. To support this reasoning, Ayers states” schools do not exist outside of history or culture, they are rather, at the heart of each”. Schools were built based on their surrounding areas, such as the school name or even the physical appearance of the building. Ayers also helped me understand that schooling can be dehumanizing because of social foundations that were determined before any of us were born. I realized one important connection that social foundations and history has is how education is always for and against something. Education will never be neutral which is important to process. Our ancestors were always fighting for or against something and I feel as if this same way of thinking has now translated into our education system. Understanding the battle, forces teachers to have a balanced, inclusive and measurable goal for students.
Overall, this article spoke highly of teachers while providing information that may be overlooked at times. Social foundations in education must be driven with the purpose of wanting to embrace and know our students. If we are genuine with our intentions and the information we seek to understand, then the outcome can only be positive.
I think that the mission of social foundations of education in teacher prep programs should be to the place where the teacher learns how to appropriately balance the different aspects and expectations of society, politics and others in the education field. This is the place where teachers should be exposed to new ideas to try in their classrooms to see what works and what doesn’t work. Teachers are often pegged as lifelong learners and this is a great place for them to start developing and learning the different styles of teaching philosophy.
ReplyDeleteThe Ayer’s article really made me think about how we are “free”, but are we really “free”? What is taught in schools is determined, but I had always thought of school as a way to learn more information to open more opportunities. The students are not the only ones who are not free, the teachers are told what to teach and when to teach it. The teacher might not agree with the standard or might need extra time because the class isn’t grasping the topics, but she doesn’t have the freedom to make those kind of decisions.
I can see how the two questions are related. Teachers are put in situations where they have to make judgement calls and their understanding of social foundations. The social foundations that the teacher is taught in their teacher prep classes is what she then passes on to the students.
Paislee Here:
ReplyDeleteI think the social foundations of education in a teacher preparation program focus on the whole student. Preparation programs not only focus on what is taught in the classroom they also help students build skills for outside the classroom. The goal of preparation programs is to consider not just the school as a building but the school as a community. These programs focus on the community at large and how the community plays a role in our students lives. Teacher preparation programs also tend to emphasize social justice and equity by providing quality teaching to communities that are often unserved. Ayers makes a point to show how detrimental education can be if taught by the wrong teacher. Ayers says school can be the practice of dehumanization and unfreedom of the oppressed. When teachers chooses not to consider the social and political aspects of teaching they do their students a disservice. These authoritarian teachers do all the thinking and dictate their classroom. There is no collaboration in their classrooms and high expectations are not set for their students. When social foundations are not met or thought about in education, students have a harder time learning because their needs aren’t being meet. One thing I really liked about Ayers piece is how it talked about the complexity of education. He writes: “Education is always for and against something. It can never be neutral.” As educators, we must always advocate for our students. We must advocate for equal resources, equal opportunities and always see students as a whole. If we remain neutral in the face of injustice we are doing our students harm. Equity within education is something that we have to continue fighting for and it starts with a strong social foundation.
I think the mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is very important. It is incredibly important for teachers to know the social structures and moral codes that they and their students inhabit on a daily basis. Our choices as teachers affect our students and can lead to them feeling empowered or dehumanized, as Ayers states. If we decide to learn about their environment and culture intimately and how it is similar to and different from our own and are able to really honestly examine that, we will be able to make decisions that come from a strong social foundation. The Ayers reading really relates to this question of social foundation in how he talks about how schools can never be separate from the social and political climate of a place; instead, they are directly at the center. If we can instead approach education with the students' needs in mind first and with a strong social foundation, what then would be different?
ReplyDeleteSorry my last post didn't have my name, so here's a repost:
ReplyDeleteI think the mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is very important. It is incredibly important for teachers to know the social structures and moral codes that they and their students inhabit on a daily basis. Our choices as teachers affect our students and can lead to them feeling empowered or dehumanized, as Ayers states. If we decide to learn about their environment and culture intimately and how it is similar to and different from our own and are able to really honestly examine that, we will be able to make decisions that come from a strong social foundation. The Ayers reading really relates to this question of social foundation in how he talks about how schools can never be separate from the social and political climate of a place; instead, they are directly at the center. If we can instead approach education with the students' needs in mind first and with a strong social foundation, what then would be different?
I agreed and enjoyed idea of the Ayers reading because I believe teachers should teach in a way that encourages students to seek “freedom” and to use their agency as they grow into adulthood and beyond. Instead of teaching nothing but “facts” I think it’s important to allow students to learn how to find facts, how to understand them and compare them and how to analyze and contextualize them through different lenses. This allows students to become aware of their own agency as free-thinking human beings. In this way, “freedom” in learning is when students can determine if a narrative is fact or hypothesis, truth or opinion. Once students discover and assert their agency, they can take ownership of their learning, the knowledge gained and how they move about in their life, learning and wielding their knowledge to better their communities. This concept goes hand in hand with the first question concerning social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs because knowledge, not only defined by retention of facts but the ability to obtain and evaluate them, is power. Knowledge provides agency which, in turn, leads to freedom or the pursuit of freedom.
ReplyDeleteThe Ayers reading is taking me on a journey.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, the section about propoganda and how education can be used as a tool of oppression -- "When the lies are bold and transparent, the message becomes even more overbearing: 'I have the power to speak falsely in front of you and you can't do a thing about it.' The goal of authoritarianism is domination." Ayers wrote this book in 2004 and it is freakily like he wrote it immediately after Trump was elected.
And the way he ENDS that section -- "Here is the classroom as a slave galley — the teacher merely beats the drum." What kind of crazy powerful line is that in an education text? Who gave Ayers permission to go this hard?
Clearly we need strong social education and cultural awareness for rising teachers -- we need to ask ourselves, as educators, what are we teaching for? How does what we are teaching for change depending on who, exactly, we're teaching? I think something we're missing in our education currently is the history of schools used as tools of oppression, especially Native American and Aboriginal boarding schools that were used to erase an entire people and their culture. Don't we see this somewhat mirrored in poor students going to boarding charter schools as their only opportunity for a quality education?
This text has given me a LOT to think about. My biggest takeaway is that if we want to be fully aware, cognizant, critically reflective teachers, we need to know the failings of education in the past or we will never overcome them.
Taylor Petty
JoAnn:
ReplyDeleteThe mission of social foundations of education in Teacher Prep Programs are needed because it helps future teachers be prepared not only for how to teach the curriculum but also the other outside aspects of being a teacher. It bridges the gap between the classroom and society. Its one thing to teach ,but its another thing when you know the history of teaching and its sociological,cultural, psychological, and ethical perspectives. Gaining knowledge on where education started and how it currently is, is only part of the battle. Being a teacher requires a certain level of understanding through reflection and decision making and that's what the mission is all about.
The Ayers reading was very interesting. It mentioned how in certain situations ethics play a part and sometimes we as teachers may have to determine what the right way and wrong way is in certain situations even when it challenges our ethical views.
I do see how the questions are connected. The article goes into details about some of the foundations in education, The issues teachers deal with and some of the circumstances they're faced with.
Brittney Dinac:
ReplyDeleteI think the mission of social foundations of education is a useful resource for teachers to obtain knowledge about the different aspects of education. Out of the 10 charts, #5 Some Inequities Are Hidden, Like the Effect of Parent Income, struck out to me. It is interesting how it stated that parents who earn more than 75,000 are more involved in their child’s school and different events. Educating teachers about this beforehand is extremely important so that teachers understand what to expect when working in urban schools. Parents who earn lower wages have to work more and are unable to be involved.
I felt that I was able to take a lot away from the Ayers’ article, and I appreciated that it made me think more about the idea of “humanizing” versus “dehumanizing”, and what actions I can take as a teacher to ensure I am helping my students expand their personal knowledge in a more intrinsic manner.
ReplyDeleteThe article brought up a lot of memories from my school years. In particular, the story about his teacher friend who found a BB gun in his student’s backpack, and the anguish he felt for months later as he wondered if he had done the right thing. I personally got myself into trouble in middle school, and unfortunately I was a student of one of the “zero-tolerance” schools that Ayers also mentions in the article. I now know that I was just a kid that made a big mistake, but it took my own reflecting and reasoning over time to realize that. Until that realization, thanks to the authoritarian style reaction to my mistakes, I truly believed that I was just an inherently bad kid that did not fit the laws of society. Instilling this kind of thinking in kids is damaging, because they will go on to act as the person they are being told that they are. I believe that, had I had a teacher to trust like his friend, the way that I viewed school, authority, and adults in general could have been significantly affected in a positive way.
My only concern regarding the Ayers article was that, in my opinion, it seemed black and white. Do I think that schools have systems in place that might be dehumanizing and authoritative? Yes. Do I think that good teachers will find ways to spark imagination and freedom for their students, despite working in these schools? Also yes!
Regarding social foundations of education, I think that all teacher prep programs should include classes on the topic. Future teachers should be trained to consider the students’ diverse backgrounds and the communities that they are a part of together when approaching different subjects. Understanding social foundations can lay the groundwork for them once they become teachers, and help them to remember to always be thinking of ways to work with their unique population, wherever it may be. Social foundations of education is indeed related to this article, because its mission is to bring humanization back to schools.
I really enjoyed this article because of its in depth description of the essence of teaching. I liked the explanation of humanization and what role it plays in education and knowledge. This will help me become more continuously aware of what I am pouring into my students and helping them become more fully human.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs is key for linking different teaching strategies to what goes on in society. This all impacts humanization and impelling further knowledge. It's one thing to teach content to students out of a book or based on a curriculum framework. But once you make that content relate to students, the more engaged they'll be.
This article gave good insight on teaching ethical views. As a teacher, some topics are a little more touchier than others, and it is up to you to teach in a way that students can understand while also making their own standpoint. I was able to gain a lot of different aspects of teaching from this article that I rarely paid attention to before.
Paula here: I think that it is important that teacher preparation programs are implementing social foundations of education into the mission. Teachers are in a very powerful position in a child's life. Social foundations of education mean that the educator helps students to understand and analyze social issues both inside and outside of the school. Social foundations allow students to think critically about the relationship between education and society.
ReplyDeleteThe Ayers article made me reflect on how we are taught in school and to think about how I would want to teach in my classroom. It made me think of the lack of freedom students are allowed in the classroom. There should be a balance between allowing the students to make decisions on their own and critically think while the teacher provides guidance and still incorporates the curriculum. The humanism part of the article is pretty eye opened because you want students to grow and be shaped into their full potential and best self but often times teachers are not prepared with methods to be able to allow humanism in the classroom. There are ways to have a balance in the classroom. This circles around to the question of social foundations; it is important to recognize the culture your students are coming from to be able to reach them in a sense. The foundations of a classroom can be a combination of many different teaching methods, styles and theories.
Andrea C
ReplyDeleteI believe the mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is to make future educators aware that teaching in more than just delivering information to students. Not only do teachers have to be aware of what information or propaganda they relay but they have to be aware of how they relay the information as far as teaching methods. Information teachers pass should be factual and teaching should occur in a way that is not oppressive. The examples the article used were extreme in the abuse the students received at the hands of their “teachers” in the name of education. It does not seem like education was the true purpose in any of the examples. I think Ayers reading is reminds us what can happen when teachers are complacent and do not advocate for their students. It implies that teachers have an obligation to advocate for their students
I think the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs is to promote critical thinking in educators so that they can foster the same mindset within their classrooms. In order to do so teachers have to be informed of the history of education and its role in society throughout the years. Through the social foundations of education teachers are encouraged to decide “what they are teaching for” and “what they are teaching against”. Beyond content knowledge, what do they hope their students will gain from being in the class. Ayers argues that teaching is a moral act and educators need to understand where their principles lie in order to focus their efforts towards those beliefs. Through this approach, teachers are encouraged to raise questions and critique the field of education, and its role in their communities. Teaching with a humanistic approach places the student at the center of instruction. Teachers should strive to understand their student’s needs, interest, cultural values perceptions of the world, their community, and themselves in order to use teaching methods that will connect wit their classroom.
ReplyDeleteI think the mission of social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs to be extremely important in building/preparing great and successful teachers. These programs help teachers learn about all the different aspect that come with teaching, not just how to teach the curriculum. Such as, how learning about your student’s cultures and communities is so important to being a great teacher. They help teachers learn who they are and what type of teacher they want to be/how to be the most effective teacher they came; they do this by having teachers explore different practices, strategies, and more.
ReplyDeleteTo me the Ayers article shows why we need the social foundations of education in teacher preparation programs so, our teachers are aware of their school’s background and their students. Yes, as teachers we may have a certain curriculum we must follow and teach but if we have strong social foundations and we know our school’s background/history and our students background/culture we will be able to be a lot more “free” with our teaching, because we would be able to tweak how we teach the curriculum to fit the needs of our students in that school. But without that knowledge just as Ayer’s discusses this makes learning sort of dehumanized. On page 18, I think he perfectly describes what the good programs are doing (such as RTR) “I want teachers to figure out what they are teaching for, and what they are teaching against.” And “first becoming a student of your students”, these are they big aspect in being a successful, effective, amazing teacher.
I believe that the mission of social foundations in teacher preparation programs is to find socially/ culturally appropriate content to deliver to our students.
ReplyDeleteThe story of Dr. Willner spoke to me. He was sent to “save” students that didn’t necessarily need saving. I can see this happening in some high needs areas. We assume that certain individuals are in pain, struggling, or depressed based on their socio-economic status, environment, or because of a traumatic event that may have taken place in their lives. Without asking, we impose programs, lessons, and services to those we feel need them. This act is dehumanizing. We have taken away choice, and have told these individuals what they need and must learn.
Teacher preparation programs should guide teachers down the path of discovering “what they are teaching for, and what they are teaching against”. We must first learn who are students are and allow them to express to us what they want to gain from their education. Ayers urges the reader to “become a student of your students first”. We must first learn who our students are and allow them to express to us what they want to gain from their education- democratic education.
-Kira
Justin Here:
ReplyDeleteI think the mission is a necessary portion of a the roots to be a true teacher. Being aware of the theories and philosophies of teaching help students be able to identify the problems of the work early and come up with strategies on how to cope and overcome while new in the system. Making new teacher aware of the politics and policies also helps the in understanding what they need to do to succeed and to find the best practices to help the students, which is the only true goal of the teacher.
The Ayers reading was almost frightful to read, its as if this is already know but having it there in writing lifts the veil and makes you see the unfairness of a system this was built to help people but sometimes only succeeded in hurting them. The quote from the reading that really stuck with me, “There is no promised land in teaching; there is instead that aching,presentant tension between reality and possibility.” This shows the frustrations of teachers knowing how to reach students and what they would need to do it but understanding that the resources and support will either by difficult to get ot impossible.
The two questions are connected as the mission prepares new teachers for the concerns that were brought to light in Ayers writing. Giving new teachers this help and strategies sets them up for knowing what they will walk into day one and to make sure they have what is needed not only to cope but to succeed in a broken system. Because regardless of the system’s problems they children still have to be cared for and taught because they are always the number one priority.
I think the mission for the social foundations in teacher prep programs is to get us to think more critically of the ways we practice ethics in the classroom, indeed as "moral actors" to use Ayers understanding of teachers roles. Particularly in underserved communities, teachers have to make ethical decisions on a daily basis that affect the ways students understand and interpret their social worlds around them. I think the mission of this humanist philosophy is to see how the power to teach ultimately rests with socially conscious teachers not in authoritarian regimes/colonial practices.
ReplyDeleteI think this was an important piece because it seems that moral reasoning is a contested area or school of thought mostly because the ethical action it presumes involves questions about the self and what individuals value and the degree to which they impose and transfer these morals to their students. This can be a thin line (between humanizing and dehumanizing subjects), which I believe this was an analytical point Ayers was meditating on when he was describing the ethical dilemmas of teachers that many philosophers have brought up before (Satre, Ardent etc...).
What do I make out of this? The confidence to teach your values consensually, regardless of the varying social locations and hierarchal positions a teacher or their students hold in society. You can communicate math, for example, to a low income student, connecting a concept in which speaks to their economic insecurity. You do not preach it or frame it in a way where a teacher's knowledge is going to limit the access for how that student freely exercises and applies math in the communicative contexts of their life.
-Seth
correction 1 st sentence second paragraph **
DeleteI think this was an important piece of the article because it seems that moral reasoning is a contested area/school of thought when considering the ethical actions it presumes. This involves questions about the self and what individuals value and the degree and form in which they can impose and transfer morals to students.
-Seth
James Here:
ReplyDeleteMy take on the mission of the social foundations of education is that it's purposefully left semi-structured to allow some wiggle room in the interpretation of what teaching philosophies should be centered on while still providing a framework for potential teachers in the field to work inside of. From this mold, teachers are able to think critically both in what their personal goals of education are and the expectations placed on them by the education system (SOL's, for example).
In conjunction with the Ayers reading, I could see the sort of frustration that comes from being inside a system that is both humanized and dehumanized; one that tries to instill subjectivity (morals and lessons) and objectivity (facts and reasoning) into students. The awkwardness of this attempted compromise was personified on page 7, where a student felt like she wasn't at school to learn but rather be indoctrinated and where she had no voice in her own learning. This, to me, is he kind of horror story the mission of education is meant to evade at all cost, not compromise with for the sake of statistical analyses.
Hence why the two questions are connected in a way, by bringing to light the harsh reality of school systems that HAVE to compromise to achieve (in their minds) maximum efficiency in a real world setting. It's why, at least on the classroom level, teachers are able to apply their own methods and tactics to teaching while adhering to a set of standards that the system places on them. While not perfect, it allows for a degree of experimentation that may yield some positive results that can then be used to better education in general.