Video + Khon Reading (#7)

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While reading Alfie Khon's view about what you should see in a classroom, I thought about my placement classrooms. When I watched video about Cultural Relevant Pedagogy, I instantly though how does that play a role into my placement classrooms.

Khon talks about the furniture, the walls, and so much more. A couple things that stood out to me is that he says, " Possible ways to worry Chairs all facing forward (or even worse) in desk rows." this is something I agree with because I believe that kids should be able to talk to each other. Having tables in a group or facing each out creates community and shows trust between your students, helping them build a community with their peers. In my placement classroom I notice that the students are mostly separated. They have half circle tables facing the front of the classroom. I do notice that the teacher does not often give them "turn and talk" opportunities or time to engage with each other. I also notice that regardless of being told not to talk the students from the tables of three find a way to help each other. (I say help with uneasy words. They show each other the answer so that the teacher can check off the work is done.) In moments like that I wonder what Khon would say to that. The classroom is set in in 50% of what he believes is good and also 50% in what he believes to be worrisome.

Now how does Cultural Relevant Pedagogy connect to this conversation? Well let's focus on one quote from the video that says "They make the connections. They are cultural translators. They are cultural bridge builders." This talks about how students have to be the ones to connect their culture to school culture. We see this happening when some kids translate for others while the teacher keeps talking. we see this when kids read and translate the work to another. Building that bridge between them to help each other.

 Therefore, when we connect Khon's view and the Cultural Relevant Pedagogy it becomes clear that both are connected with a student's learning and experience in school. The way desks are arranged, how students are encouraged to speak. When classrooms allow students to learn from each other, they become places where students can thrive academically, socially, and culturally. 





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