Break Free.

How far would you go to touch other people’s lives? Are you willing to break free from the norms?

We watched Freedom Writers, a very interesting film about a new teacher in Woodrow High School who perseveres in giving education to “unteachable” students. Although the students disrespected her at first, she did not give up in innovating ways so that she could reach out and understand their personal issues. She modified her activities to build rapport and trust such as Q&A line and journals. To make learning relatable and real for students, she invited speakers and took the students to a field trip.

I have learned that one should go beyond the technicality of things by giving them what’s existent and understandable.  I was amazed by her creativity in thinking of alternative ways to teach.  She stepped out of the classrooms and taught literature in such a way that the students were able to remember not just the facts, but the insights and emotions during the process.

I have learned that for genuine learning to happen, teachers should understand the personal issues and needs of students as human beings. The learners’ experiences affect how they perceive information. Thus, we should also adapt our strategies to the context of the learner.

After our group discussion, I have realized how a film can touch hearts. Indeed, simple things can go a long way – also implied by the movie. By seeing a story as inspiring as Ms. Gruwell’s, the classroom lessons on the vitality of teaching in an individual’s growth made sense to me.

Teaching is more than a “job”. It is a commitment to the learners’ development regardless of risks and costs. It is a devotion to make someone’s life better – even if means taking risks, even if it means breaking free.