reflection 3 edf2085

Paradigm

What are paradigms and paradigm shifts? We are all are influenced by paradigm and paradigm shifts in some way or another. How do we formulate our ideas? Are these ideas ours or just the result of someone else’s imposed perception? This article is aimed at helping the reader understand the term paradigm and paradigm shift. I will discuss my personal paradigm shift and why it is important for teacher to experience it.

According to the article Frames, paradigm and paradigm shift, “everything we think, feel or do is shaped by our paradigms including how we perceive and interpret our selves and our reality”. This is done through and organized sequence; one that is able to integrate our observations and assumptions that we formed through our experiences. This is then the backbone of our perception one that is hard to change unless been lived with and explored. This change of perception if taken place is termed as paradigm shift. Paradigm Shift occurs after we have lived with and explored our perception, we might change based on new knowledge gained or new experience. Dated back to ancient times we have seen where many paradigm shifts took place which lead to new concepts or inventions that has passed down to our present generation. In our schools and society today, where technology, globalization cultural pluralism is intertwined a new type of paradigm is emerging. People are now learning to accept and tolerate others with difference of culture, sexuality, religion and beliefs just to name a few. Hence the evidence that we are all subject to paradigm and paradigm shifts.

It is amazing the way our formed paradigms can influence the out come of our live, what we do, how we think and see the world. I remember growing up as a child and going through school, I had not developed a real reason for going. I was at school everyday early because I had to but still had no purpose, no plans for the future and no set goal. As a result of this no effort was made to do well in school rather it was not important to me. Hence I never saw the importance of education. I also developed the concept that I couldn’t achieve anything better than a grade “C” on my test. Well this all change when I started interacting with people who valued education. I was around friends who were going to college and had a purpose in life. This is when I started putting one and two together and have come to realize the importance of education. I also came to change my perception about test grades. This paradigm shift had opened a whole new door for me. I now see things differently and respond to situations differently. My whole perception of live have bee changed.

A paradigm shift does not only affect your personal life but also the way you see and interact with the world. As teacher it is of vital importance that each one experiences a paradigm shift. This will influence the way they perceive students as it relates to difference in culture, religion, background and beliefs. This is rather an important requirement in a diverse population.

In summary paradigm and paradigm shift shapes the way you see and interact with the world. Personal paradigm shift I a transformation and reinventing of ones self and the way we see the world. A change happen because we no longer belief what we use to.