PEDAGOGY

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1. condensed poem version

(not saying it's a finished or good poem, but fun for me to make)

2. expanded story-like version

 

1.

Pedagogy

a word made to mock me

my nemesis, really

as a poet

 

why is it that

i never remember

what it means?

 

it's so simple, after all:

“the method and practice of teaching,

especially as an academic subject

or theoretical concept”

(thank you Google)

 

so now, i condense for you,

or is it confess?

my pedagogy:

 

Teach people to keep generating

ideas

to not censor or critique themselves

during this process

 

Remember that your students' cultures

may not be like yours

It may even be that an organized system of education

is in some way at very deep odds with their beliefs

Don't expect them to adapt themselves to your instruction

Adapt your instruction to meet their needs

 

And also

Being allowed to share in your students' cultures is a privilege

Be aware

Respect

 

“Be grateful to everyone.”

 

Teach students to care about their writing

and the writing of others

through revising their own writing

and through reading and responding to

the writing of others

 

and finally

Have a beating heart

 

2. story-like version

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