Questions for Reflection
1. In this chapter we describe social constrcutions on curriculum, pedagogy and learning. Thinking about you own experiences, and the roles of both student and teacher, describe examples of each construction. What learning situations have you encountered where a particular construction of curriculum has been more relevant than others?
2. Describe some of your own experiences of assessment. What views of learning were implied in these forms of assessment?
3. Relationships are complex, but they are also at the heart of teaching, learning and belonging. What things have you noticed in classrooms where you felt there was a culture of belonging? Conversely, what did you think was missing in classrooms where you felt there was not a culture of belonging? How would you start a culture of belonging in your classroom?
4. Think about some reflective questions you could ask yourself about your practice. How could you answer these questions? For example, 'How will I know I'm not replicating segregation in my classroom?', 'How can I tell all learned are engaged in culturally valued learning?'
5. IEPs are not a substitute for curriculum and they are not a form of assessment. IEP meetings can be one oportunity to share what teachers, students and their families have come to learn about a student's strengths and interests, and how a student learns. When would you think it was necessary to have an IEP? How else could you work with students and their families to share what each has learned about a student's strengths and interests, and how a student learns?