Part of my motivation for pursuing science ed, is sort of a response to the teenage me. Despite showing some aptitude in science and math, I was bound and determined to avoid those subjects at all costs. Why? Because I was too artsy and journalistic for science? It was just for nerdy boys? It was too hard? I'd be hard pressed to say where these ideas came from, but that was the basis for my prejudice. And what a shame, because I think I cut myself off from some really interesting opportunities by listening to that misguided inner voice.
Even with only four classes this past week, already I've heard many of the same misconceptions about studying the sciences from my young classmates, that I entertained in my late teens. The message is still loud and clear from somewhere--artists don't do science, math is too hard, it's gross/boring/hardhardhard. It's an uphill battle against an unseen enemy, but I would love to be a teacher who could change that message.
I would hope to inspire kids to see the subject matter as intriguing, something to explore. I became a yoga teacher, partially because I was so taken with the discipline that I wanted to learn how to show my friends and family what an amazing practice it is. I loved the subject; I wanted to share the subject. And so it goes with biology.
By helping kids learn to explore the natural world, to investigate a problem and discover the answer, comes learning how to think for yourself and forming ideas based on your own experience. How about that as a useful, subversive tool? Get something pierced, if you want, but a truly radical act is thinking for yourself.
And the sooner they get that message, the better.
4 comments:
I couldn't really find a way to work it into this post, but this is also my feeling about evil messages like this: (http://lindasyoga.blogspot.com/2010/08/words-almost-fail-me.html ...see what Linda Sama has to say, I can't bear to link to the original item)
I hope that my yoga students also learn to filter out the noise surrounding much of yoga advertising these days. However you choose to interpret them (inspiring, sexist, High Art *choke*), the imagery is pretty biased about who is depicted doing yoga. And it's completely wrong. I'll bet more practitioners have some bra fat to deal with, than can do a full Peacock pose.
But, anyway, I wanted to make the connection, because it was definitely on my mind.
And, btw, I love Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker...inspiring AND High Art...
I hated putting a link to that atrocious ad since it will probably sell some of her books, but I thought to drive home the point one had to see it in all its horrid glory. especially the bra fat part...;)
most of the people I know in India would want to fatten Tara up, they would think she is sick.
Thinking for yourself, the hardest thing to teach, and learn... Good luck!
It's Beeker...my faorite muppet!
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