I believe that education is one of the most powerful gifts in our society. Education opens doors and challenges the mind by giving teachers and students new perspectives through social interactions.
Education must be not only a transmission of culture, but also a provider of alternative views of the world and a strengthener of the will to explore them. Education looks different across the world due to cultural differences and perspectives. In the United States of America, we are lucky to have the right to equal education and the opportunity to learn as much as we desire. However, the essential component of education, the idea of sharing differing perspectives, is often forgotten or strayed away from. Education is unique and provides a safe place for students to discuss difficult subject matter; this is a gift like no other.
In the picture to the right, 3 students are sharing smiles and pride over learning all about the Great Wall of China. The students made predictions in the beginning about why it was built and then read a book about its history. After finishing, I brought out a globe to show student's how far away China is from Indiana. I loved hearing these students exclaim, "I never knew that before!" and "No way! That's so cool!" The three of them were so excited to learn about something new from something long ago and far away! |