Assignment 5c: Class Reflection

1. What difference did you notice in your choice of topics in the first part of the class versus the topics found in the texts My California and Train Go Sorry?

During the first part of class I was choosing topics that were more familiar or that held a personal preference to me. Many of the assignments related to self-reflections and California culture and these earlier topics were manifestations of my personal experiences. The topics in My California and Train Go Sorry I was not as familiar with. In both stories, I was able to learn from others’ personal experiences. My California was composed of a wide variety of stories that presented insight into all aspects of California. Unlike the topics before, these stories offered a more intimate approach to regional information rather than dry lists of geographical facts. As for the novel, Train Go Sorry, it had me entering the silenced world of a whole new society: Deaf culture. Although I thought I was somewhat acquainted with the practice of ASL and Deaf lifestyle, I was surprised to learn that there was so much I was overlooking. Overall, the biggest difference between the first topics of the semester and the final topics of the semester is respect. The first topics I researched I had a personal connection with so my respect was already present. The last topics covered in the two novels earned my respect, which is difficult to acquire without learning.

2. What difference did you notice when you read your classmates work regarding the same topics versus your own opinions? Did their works make you think of something different?

When I read my classmate’s work regarding the same topics versus my own opinion I was interested to learn that there are many approaches to interpretation. By reading their thoughts and comments I was able to understand more about what I was researching. To view their work I could view their thought processes. At times I might not have always agreed on an analysis but I always found it intriguing to hear another’s opinion. To really learn about a topic, it must be viewed from all angles. In order to do this, one must be willing to appreciate each outlook that is provided. It is impossible to do this when perspective diversity is absent. Fortunately, our humanities class has been set up in a way that has allowed me to see all of a topic’s angles clearly. By comparing other’s opinions I have learned so much more than I would from just my own personal research.

3. How would Freire and the idea of dialogue and scaffolding play into your answers?

By reading our classmate’s work and sharing ideas with one another, a cyber dialogue takes place. This dialogue thus allows for a scaffolding to take place, and in that scaffolding we are able to learn from one another. So, it is not what one person says that is valuable, but it is the process of this knowledge ricocheting off of another person, enabling them to create new ideas that are essential. When we are attentive of each other, we will ultimately make better decisions. Freire believed that education should forgo any teaching that encourages a 'banking' method. He believed students need to express their own points of view, and in dialogue we come to understand one another in order to make more informed decisions. When students and teachers are learning from one another we are constantly adding to our own knowledge, which means we are changing or evolving all the time.

4. What was your overall experience with these topics?

Overall my experience with these topics was beneficial. I not only learned more about California and Deaf culture but I learned how to benefit from other’s ideas and from engaging in classroom dialogue. I thought that the assignments were interesting and they called for a lot of self-reflection. Both novels were also informative and fascinating. I especially found myself engrossed in Train Go Sorry. This book focuses on a culture that is impossible to fully embrace without deafness. By reading about experiences, I was able to walk in the shoes of several individuals and come away feeling more attuned to their lifestyle. After taking this class, I feel that I have learned several ways to embrace culture. Whether it is listening to the wise words of Paulo Friere, examining the hardships and triumphs of two Deaf students, or reading the many stories of California authors, ultimately I have learned to appreciate all the aspects of another’s attitudes, habits and beliefs.