5C Self Reflection

1. What difference did you notice in your choice of topics in the first part of the class versus the topics found in the texts My California and Train Go Sorry?
I noticed that we looked at broad, impersonal topics at the beginning, such as looking at different cities, museums, etc. Our later assignments touched on the human element behind those things and places we had looked at. My California, for example, had stories in it relating to many areas of California we had been introduced to in earlier assignments.

2. What difference did you notice when you read your classmates work regarding the same topics versus your own opinions? Did their works make you think of something different?
Everyone in the class has a different background they come from, as as a result, even when I agreed with someone and held the same view as them, there was always a slightly different slant on what they were saying. I found many times that people brought up points about things that I had not initially thought of, which in turn allowed me to come to other conclusions and look at subjects in a new way.

3. How would Freire and the idea of dialogue and scaffolding play into your answers?
Freire believed that students should be active learners, rather than passive ones; this can be achieved through dialogue. Through our blogs, we have been creating dialogue about our topics, and have learned from each other, through a process called scaffolding. All these things have played into my answers; I have been reading other people's knowledge and points of view on multiple topics since the begining of the semester, and have learned from them. What I learn from other's influences my points of view as well, and influences the way I think about topics and how I respond to them.

4. What was your overall experience with these topics?
I enjoyed reading about our state and other people's experiences. I learned a lot about cities I already knew of (but didn't really know anything about). I also thought it was really interesting to read other people's responses to the assignments. It showed me what other people think; it's refreshing to hear other people's point of view, even if you don't necessarily agree. It allows you to understand other people better, which I think is really important, especially in a world that has such a large population. We all have to live together, and understanding is key to cooperation and harmony.