Reflection Paper #3

Reflection paper #3: Read Frames, Paradigms and Paradigm Shifts. What are paradigms? What is a paradigm shift? Have you had one? Why is it important for teachers to experience paradigm change?

A paradigm is our own formulated perspective of how we visualize the world. A paradigm defines our belief system and becomes our measuring stick, if you will, of appropriate conduct and behavior, decision making and reasoning skills, processing of information and solving problems, morals and ethics. Paradigms are taught and learned experiences gathered from nature and nurture that ultimately determines who you are. Paradigms can be confining in the sense that they may place limitations on freedom of thinking and block us into a tunnel vision effect. Most cultures are based on a certain set of unwritten rules that are acknowledged by every member and is internalized as the only standard of correct behavior and way of thinking. Anything outside of that culture’s paradigm is viewed as unorthodox and is not encouraged, frowned upon or may have harsh or harmful consequences.
Paradigm shifts primarily happens when new information challenges the old ingrained beliefs and causes internal conflict that will inevitably result in acceptance and change. I personally have experienced many paradigm shifts over the course of the past four years in dealing with becoming legally blind. I was under the impression that blind people could not live alone, work, be independent. I didn’t think it was possible to have a real purposeful and fulfilling life. All of those taboos, myths and misconceptions have been replaced with new beliefs that I know to be true from experience. If we, as educators, are to impact our classrooms of students with new and challenging information to comprehend, then we first must be able to reciprocate. We as teachers cannot induce change if we have not experienced it. The entire spectrum of learning is based on paradigms that construct our way of thinking. In order to be a successful educator, challenging our students to think freely and make sound cognitive decisions and conclusions is a must.