Response to Alaina's Prompt #5 - Dewey

Alaina,

I really enjoyed reading this prompt because even though Dewey can be a tricky theorist to understand, you did a great job connecting your experience to him. Language is number one on my list of concerns when it comes to teaching in a diverse school system. If one does not understand a second language that is prominent in the area then one will have difficulties collaborating with parents and families about their children. Like you, I also took Spanish for four years in high school, however I do not think I am able to have a full conversation with a parent or student of Hispanic decent.

Dewey describes, as you clearly point out, that although there are many different cultures in one society, we must involve one another in order to move forward as a whole. By forming cliques, gangs, and classes, we are unable to relate to one another on common viewpoints and beliefs. These barriers that prohibit us in moving forward must be broken down. We are only isolating each other from a wider spread of opportunity.

As a teacher, I hope to be presented with these challenges so that we are able to break down these barriers (especially with language). I can see that by understanding these connections with these theorists that we, as future teachers, will be able to demonstrate what we've learned in our own classrooms. Best of luck!

Liana