Chapter 1 - B. Kumaravadivelu

As I read through this chapter I began to reflect. What metaphor would I use to describe what the teachers' role in the classroom should be? I believe a teacher should be a facilitator and guide their students. However, with so many different teaching philosophies and beliefs it would be impossible, in my opinion, to say a teacher is like a "director" or some other moniker. Personally, I do not like the role of "passive technician." I wouldn't want to be a student in a classroom of the type either. It sounds very traditional and boring. I believe teaching and learning should be fun and interactive, collaborative and meaningful. As far as being reflective practitioners, I do see truth in that. Teachers need to reflect and think critically of what they are saying and doing. They need to examine if they are being efficient and effective. I found Zeichner and Listons quote interesting. They said that, “not all thinking about teaching constitutes reflective teaching. If a teacher never questions the goals and the values that guide his or her work, the context in which he or she teaches, or never examines his or her own assumptions, then it is our belief that this individual is not engaged in reflective teaching.” I agree with them. It is more than, “How did my lesson go?” It is deeper than that and utterly important. And the idea of teachers as transformative intellectuals I love. I find that I agree with a lot of critical theorist and pedagogists.