Module 1 - Place and Pedegogy

Module 1 - Place and Pedegogy -

Essential Question: Why is an Awareness of Place Important?

The question "why is an awareness of place important" is a nebulous question.  "Place" can be a specific geographic location such as a state or mountain range.  "Place" can also refer to place in society or economic tier.  Finally, it can be used in the context of home and beloging. 

For students place has a several layers.  First, place for a student starts as where the recieve their initial instruction in life and where the basics of life are provided.  This understanding of place is important because without this most basic layer learning cannot occur.  No one can consentrate on the vagueries of the American Revolution when food, shelter and safety are not present. 

Once the basics are met place begins to take on other dimesions.  Students are constantly comparing their sense of self with their role in place.  Where students live, go to school and socialize has a large impact on who they chose to be.  Knowing one set of people, in one state, in one city can be comforting and provide a great wealth of knowledge about an individuals sense of place therein but it can also lead to a lack of understanding about other places or an understanding of how one fits into a greater community.  On the other side someone expose to multiple versions of place, many states/cities, schools, may gain a wealth of understanding about many different places but feel connected to none.  This is important in understanding students' place in Alaska.

Essential Question: How Can an Awareness of Place Create  Better Learninig for Alaska's Students?

Alaska is unique in many ways.  It is the largest 'place' in the Union.  There is a population that has made this their place for generations.  Indigenous populations have made this place their home for thousands of years. This is not only a place to live but the foundation to their culture. There is spirituality to this place that goes well beyond owning a home in one of 50 states.  Appreciating and understanding Alaska to this level can be hard for some people when applying cultural mores of a global world.

There is another population that cares to make Alaska their place for as little time as possible or was forced to come to this place.  Many people are simply stationed in this place.  There is little to no connection.  This is especially hard on educators seeking to connect Alaska to a student's life. 

Finally, there is everthing in between.  And this is what makes teaching in Alaska such a unique experience.  An educator must be sensitive to "place" unlike any other place in the United States.  Place must be on the mind of every educator when dealing with each child in all situations.

Evaluation:

Being a History and Government teacher helps and hurts me when it comes to understanding place with students.  I try to instill some level of understanding of what this place means to all of us.  However, the more I try to delve into what it means to be an American, the more I find that there truelly is no one way, no one place to find one value set.  But, that is why the U.S. is so facinating and Alska especially since it seems to be a microcosim for the U.S.  So many people, with so many stories, with so many interests (economic, social, cultural, political).  Since this is my first year teaching in Alaska, this unit has helped me to come to this understanding.