These case study questions were completed at the beginning of our time in EDEF 3200. We were given the opportunity to choose which cases we would like to respond to. I found this assignment to be challenging but also exciting as I was looking forward to have the opportunity to share my opinion on difficult topics. I was also eager to see how my classmates responded or felt differently when it came to these topics.
With whom do you sympathize most, Connie or Armand, and for what reasons?
In this case, I sympathize with Connie as opposed to Armand. I am cognizant of the fact that Armand has a job to do and working in human resources can be extremely difficult. He has decisions he must make and is required to work within budgets and parameters to maintain staffing. However, what we see in this case is a classic example of furthering and reinforcing colonial ideals. Armand is in a position of power in a system that only perpetuates and mirrors the foundations of colonialism. The entire education system requires a rebuild, and this has been a topic of conversation for many years. However, as a society, we are stuck in the mindset that it is too complicated or impossible to completely restructure. We are seeing a lot of positive changes but this case highlights that we have not come as far as we think we have. Armand is placing his aggression and frustration on Indigenous folks for asking that government promises be upheld. The TRC Calls to Action regarding education highlight the need for Indigenous education and collaboration with elders to ensure this is done properly.
The other classic issue that is amplified in this case is the lack of discussion or collaboration with Indigenous communities, especially between local bands and the school board. It was made incredibly clear to Armand the concerns that Indigenous teachers and elders had about their language and culture being taught by someone who could possibly cause harm. It is very disrespectful to send out a letter to the entire school district that dismisses all of the concerns that were expressed to him. Both sides have very different ideas of what qualified means. I can understand that there are situations and topics that trained and certified teachers would be more equipped to handle. However, if there are elders that are willing to share their knowledge and stories with students, that should be encouraged and accepted.
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524504501233/1557513602139
Given the tenuous future of school libraries, how will you ensure that your students develop the research skills they need?
This is a difficult question to answer as a future teacher and I struggle because I felt great sympathy for Ms. Notabendi, a librarian who is losing her job. Some of my greatest memories in elementary school were our weekly trips to the library to exchange books. There were so many of them that it would be impossible to get through them all. As we get older, it becomes clear that libraries are not only vessels for exciting tales of adventure, but they also house books that teach us about science, history, and so many other subjects. These are resources that students often need for research. Knowing how to properly and efficiently research is a critical skill to have, especially as a university student and I think this is something teachers should spend time on with their students. With that being said, we must come to grips with reality that research today is more often than not conducted online. We certainly still have many libraries, not only in schools but community libraries and those spaces should be explored and enjoyed. However, I, like many, have fallen victim to the efficiency of typing what I need into my computer and having it instantly. Therefore, as a teacher, I feel that I would spend more time teaching my students how to research online and through technology rather than at the library. This could like trips to the computer lab where we practice searching online databases. However, I think there is something to be said about finding balance. For schools that still have a functional library, we should absolutely be utilizing them as much as possible, but like so many other things in the education system, we all need to adjust with the times. This may seem like a poor stance to take as I certainly do not want to see libraries or librarians go by the wayside. I am always a proponent for using our voices to create change or resist when necessary. However, I feel it would be naive to say that we can change this as the power of technology will not be subsiding anytime soon and it would be irresponsible to not prepare our students for this reality.