Capture Refleciton 2

In class we discussed the moral dimension of teaching. It was determined that teachers have a responsibility to "enculturate youth in a social and political democracy, provide youth with access to knowledge, engage in nurturing pedagogy, and serve as a steward of public schools and education."

Enculturating youth in a social and political democracy starts with the understanding that people shouldn't exist in isolation. Instead we work together, respect each other, and recognize each other's needs. Teachers stand as a moral corner stone in society instilling this understanding into the rising generation. 

I think it is interesting word choice to say that as teachers we "provide access to knowledge". Nephi explains in the Book of Mormon that the spirit (the means by which all things are learned) carries the message unto the hearts of the man, but it does not say into their hearts. As teachers we carry the message unto the students but in the end we can't hold ourselves personally responsible for their learning. Our field is to guide discovery and help the students learn. There are many ways we can help this be done and therein lies our responsibility and challenge. Philosophers have classified hundreds of teaching methods and philosophies. In class, we discussed many of these different ways to help different students have appropriate access to knowledge.  I think one important part of being able to provide access to knowledge is to engage ourselves in continued study, that way we can provide access to a greater amount of knowledge.

The old saying is true: No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. Instruction and association with students must be nurturing. In class we discussed Maslow’s hierarchy of needs which presents the priority of concerns human beings have. Before one concern can be addressed the problem of higher priority will always need nurturing first. The order of needs from superior to inferior is Physiological needs (hunger and thirst), safety needs (security and protection), social needs (loving environment and a sense of belonging), esteem (recognition and status), and finally self-actualization (when a student feels confident enough in themselves to be about to do the task at hand. Nurturing goes hand in hand with success. Walter Gong's explains in his method of teaching and learning that it is when a student feels charity, love, and joy they can then participate in exponential growth.

Lastly we look at our obligation to be stewards of public schools and education. We must forever be involved in education. The in the small and simple things as well as the big and important things we should apply the knowledge framework that Gong sets forth. It can become second nature to us as we recognize purposes in all we see, find central messages, see application for what we learn, and develop values based upon acquired wisdom. We must be role models for society in the way we utilize knowledge to become who we are. Love of learning must be an intimate part of who we become and must be reflected in what we do. We are to by a godly group. For the Glory of god is intelligent, or light and truth and for whosoever cleaves to light in him it will grow brighter and brighter until the perfect day!