Language vs Learning

It has been called into question the manner in which we educate our students. For as long as we can remember there has been a set method in which we instruct students. This method has been believed to be the most effective way to mold young minds so that they may become contributing members of society. We now call this into question. The question we ask is what may improve our learning experience as individuals. As a group of thinkers.

What really is effective learning? If there is a way to teach students in a manner that they better understand why not use it? Because it is not the way in which our educational system has been created to run.

Effective learning has been constructed to be a complete understanding of the knowledge that is being imposed unto you. Whether it be math or history, if you can memorize the information you have mastered the subject. If you pass tests you are an effective learner. Yet this information may be twisted and changed so that one does not question it, or wonder. History is a perfect example of this. Columbus sailed the great sea and discovered America. He brought civilized society to the savages of the West Indies and introduced them to the salvation of God. Now we have been shown the reality of who Columbus was. But this was what was taught to students around the globe. This was the pedagogy of the common man.

Now lets think of pedagogy in the context of language. If students can learn easier in specific discourse, and it may be the common discourse of the students in the class, why would there be an objection to utilize such a discourse? The quickest argument for this is that we have been structured to learn a specific way. Paulo Freire discusses this somewhat in "Pedagogy of The Oppressed." We have been structured in such an educational system that oppresses. We are taught that this is the way it should be, to not question, to do what we are told. This educational system is build to oppress, oppress students if they dare to question the methods or reasons behind why it came to b

e. Oppress the native tongue that is anything but English. But what if we used our native tongues when educating? Could this possibly improve our learning experience? Students would probably absorb the information to them better. They may be able to fully comprehend the material, versus simply memorizing. I don't know about you, but I would rather be able to fully understand what is being taught to me than constantly wondering what the instructor may be discussing.

This may come into question when the majority if students within a class have not experienced English as their first language. If one has been introduced the majority of their life in one specific language then suddenly has to switch to another, there will be struggle. Now being that we are in the United States the common language of course will be English. While English is a language that should be learned if living in this country, many still struggle learning in this language. If classes such as history, math, and science were taught in the native discourse of the students then such a struggle may be less existent.

Everyone should be able to learn in a manner most comfortable to them. If one is not comfortable within their learning environment then they may be less inclined to learn. Or they may not know how to acclimate to such an environment. Thus setting them up for failure before they have really begun. Educators must take this into consideration. Every student learns differently. While they may not be able to individualize the learning experience to every student, they can acclimate it the common discourse of the class. To better open the minds of the future thinkers of the world.