Reflection 3

My elementary and middle school experience was multicultural to a certain extent. While the prominent race was Black, there was an array of ethnicities. We had Africans, African-Americans, Haitians, Jamaicans, Bahamians, Panamanians, and so much more. There was also lots of Hispanics, and scattered amounts of Caucasians, and Asians.

During my Elementary and Middle School years, the contributions approach was used the most. In February, we learned about important people in black history. Around Thanksgiving, we learned that Christopher Columbus discovered the world and made peace with the Pilgrims which is why we have Thanksgiving. Around the holidays, we were told that Santa brings us gifts and if we misbehave we would only get a lump of coal for the holidays.

It wasn't until high school, when more of my teachers started using the transformation approach that I started to see things differently. In February, we learned about important people in black history, but we would have to think about how life would be without those contributions. We had to put ourselves back in those days and try and see how hard it must have been for that person to accomplish what they did.

Around Thanksgiving, we learned that Columbus did not discover America and the feast was a sorry attempt at apologizing for raping the women, spreading diseases, and taking away so much for the Indians. We were told that Santa is not real and why should he get all the credit for gifts people probably worked very hard for. We were also told that if we got a lump of coal just toss it and go get something better.

I wish that my elementary and middle school education used the transformation approach to learning. Had they used this approach, I would be more aware of history instead of thinking everything was just one great fairy tale. Perhaps they think it is too much for a child to handle, but on the contrary it's better to tell the truth about things while children are older.

I also feel that if my elementary and middle school had used the transformation approach, then my high school would have used the social action approach. Had this been done, I would probably do more acting then thinking.