CHAPTER III THE HIDDEN WHOLENESS: PARADOX IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

Palmer writes that we are trained to “think the world apart,” dissecting it into either-ors, but we need to learn to “think the world together,” embracing opposites and appreciating paradoxes. The principle of paradox can guide us in thinking about classroom dynamics—and in designing a teaching and learning space that can hold the community of truth.

In what ways have you experienced “suffering” as a student teacher? Has your suffering had any redemptive quality to it; that is, has it made you heart larger? What would help you deepen the redemptive quality of the suffering your experience in your work?

 

Well I think I have experienced "suffering" as a student teacher when I sometimes try to do a good job with my students, and I receive some criticism from my tutor even when my students express satisfaction and learning.    

Moreover, if during the classes I see the faces of my students and they look bored or impatient for the end of class I feel some "suffering" because I think I am failing as a teacher. Similarly when I am not able to hear all their thoughts due to various factors such as the short time in the classroom that makes me feel sufferings because I think that sometimes even their own parents do not pay attention to them and they seek to find in me a guide. 

I believe that through these experiences, I have developed a redemptive quality because I have learned to develop capacity to withstand and cope with pain in my heart but do not let that negatively interfere with my job as student teacher, contrary that situation creates in me the desire to help people, and I can feel more engage to work harder. Despite the errors or failures I see them like challenges to overcome. 

I think that would help me deepen my suffering redemptive quality  the accumulation of experiences and help people forgetting  my "suffering" and focus on what's best for my students by placing them as the most important actors of the teaching-learning process, understanding the true essence of teaching new generations.