Paulo's Freire's, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" has so much insight into every human being's longing for freedom and self-determination. Below is a video of the "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" lecture series by Dr. Jason Campbell, founder and Executive Director for the Institute for Genocide Awareness and Applied Research.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Report: Adult Learners in Focus 2008
"Over 26 million adults in the U.S. currently have no high school diploma, more than 3 million have not attended college and are earning less than a living wage, and over 8 million have not attended college and speak little or no English." (7)
My response:
"States vary significantly in their success in moving students through this traditional educational pipeline...But reliance on and attention to the traditional educational pipeline alone will not be enough." (22)
"A third component of the "American Dream" is political—that citizens have the right and obligation to serve as active members of a functioning democracy at the local, state, and national levels. Evidence is strong that participation in civic life varies by educational level." (16)
My response:
Citizens who have more stake in the system are more likely to vote and to participate fully in our democratic institutions. They are more likely to be active citizens, read the newspaper and engage in political discourse. Education is a likely indicator of someone's political involvement, for college graduates are more likely than any other group to vote in presidential elections.
My response:
The report, Adult Learners in Focus 2008, is extremely useful because it sheds insight on the difficult problems and barriers to adult participation in post-secondary education in the United States. What happens to a society when more than 26 million adults have no high school diploma? How will these adults who have not attended college, speak little to no English, and earn less than a living wage achieve the American Dream?
I wonder if the average American is aware of the plight of these adults and what the repercussions are for our nation if policymakers, the business community, and educators do not find a way to help them become productive members of society. How do we build awareness of these issues so that they become part of the national conversation about income inequality and inclusion for all members of society?
I wonder if the average American is aware of the plight of these adults and what the repercussions are for our nation if policymakers, the business community, and educators do not find a way to help them become productive members of society. How do we build awareness of these issues so that they become part of the national conversation about income inequality and inclusion for all members of society?
"The good news is that adults are making up an ever larger share of the total enrollment in post-secondary institutions. By 2004, adults made up approximately 43 percent of total enrollment at community colleges (includes full-time and part-time)." (7)
My response:
I agree that adults are making up an ever larger share of the total enrollment in post-secondary institutions because my experience as a community college instructor confirms it. In my view, much of the growth in the enrollment of adult learners in post-secondary education was driven by the Great Recession and the desire to be competitive in filling jobs that require specialized skills such as nursing and accounting.
Community colleges or as Mike Rose likes to calls them, "second-chance institutions" play a crucial role in changing the lives of working class and poor students. For many of them, it may be one of the few opportunities they have to pursue the American Dream. Policymakers should show that they value the life-changing potential of these institutions by fully funding them.
Many of my students fit the following profile:
- work full-time
- single parent
- primarily females of color
- 18 - 25 years old
- require remedial reading, writing and math courses
- reticent about pursuing post-secondary education
- concerned about economic security and future job prospects
"Non-traditional students--for example, those who have delayed enrollment in post-secondary education, work full-time while enrolled, or have dependents other than a spouse--were more likely than traditional students both to participate in distance education and to be in programs available entirely through distance education" (8).
My response:
Time management is a real issue for many non-traditional students. I see their challenges everyday with meeting deadlines, juggling work and family, and attending class regularly. For some of them, distance learning may be a viable option, and I support it if online learning provides equal access to everyone.
Yet, I can't help but wonder if some students, especially those who have been in and out of the educational pipeline, need the form and structure that the classroom provides. I have taken online courses. They still require adherence to guidelines, and a certain kind of self-directed learning for which non-traditional students might not be ready.
"States vary significantly in their success in moving students through this traditional educational pipeline...But reliance on and attention to the traditional educational pipeline alone will not be enough." (22)
My response:
States and localities will have to focus more attention on non-traditional students by providing resources and leadership. The nation's policies dealing with high education and economic growth and development will have to focus more adult learning and overcoming the obstacles to access for millions of non-traditional students. Resources and increased funding will be needed to support this effort.
"A third component of the "American Dream" is political—that citizens have the right and obligation to serve as active members of a functioning democracy at the local, state, and national levels. Evidence is strong that participation in civic life varies by educational level." (16)
My response:
Citizens who have more stake in the system are more likely to vote and to participate fully in our democratic institutions. They are more likely to be active citizens, read the newspaper and engage in political discourse. Education is a likely indicator of someone's political involvement, for college graduates are more likely than any other group to vote in presidential elections.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Blog Purpose
The purpose of this blog is for writing short responses to readings and formal writing projects.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)