Talking Point #10

Author: Ira Shore

Text: “Education is Politics”

Connections:

     When thinking critically about the reading, two other authors come to mind. I thought discussing Shore’s writing in relation to other authors like Johnson and Christensen. Allan Johnson writes about the importance of creating a dialogue that focuses on the issues of power and race. This type of explicit talk can be useful in a classroom setting. Students can gain the sense of being comfortable with speaking honestly about feelings and issues. This relates to Ira Shore ideals because Ira strongly believes in making students feel like equals. When they feel like equals, they can get a better understanding of their education. When they acquire this understanding, they can hold value in education and use any this excitement for learning to ask more questions and discuss problem solving.

     Linda Christensen is a strong advocate of educating students about noticing oppression and taking action against it. She encourages teachers to assist their students in expressing what they feel and how they think. In a way Ira Shore encourages the same. Shore thinks teachers should learn from their students and take their point of view into consideration. This can be helpful when problem-posing. Problem-posing is a method of teaching that centers on talking, listening, asking questions, and taking action.

     I like the idea of taking different readings and using them to analyze another. This idea is appealing to me because it reminds me of the presentation that was assigned and if we talk about this concept in class it would be super helpful. If we discuss this in class, I can take notes and steal everyone’s ideas and concepts.