Melanie’s Blog

“Don’t let the fear of what is difficult paralyze you” was written for me!  I have had a hard time reading almost every chapter and article in all of our classes.  I told my regional group last semester that I felt like I had some type of learning disability because I had such a difficult time reading the different texts!  I felt I was reading the best that I could and still not understanding the texts while my classmates were contributing extremely intelligent summaries and/or opinions. 

Freire mentions seeking help from forms of reference, other teachers, etc.  I was constantly thumbing through the dictionary, but I was not good about asking classmates to talk to me about the articles.  I almost felt that it was cheating or perhaps bothersome to my classmates.  I didn’t feel it was their job to teach the material to me, although I  learned a lot from my classmates by listening to them participate in discussions.  I am always amazed at what my classmates get out of the articles.

 I definitely related to Freire’s mention of abandoning the text.  I reread sentences over and over, realizing I have no idea as to what I’ve read.  I need to take Friere’s advice by “rewriting” the author’s text so more understanding will take place.  I underline and highlight, but once I put the book/article down, I have a hard time summarizing what I have read. 

I need to overcome my “fears” of not comprehending.  I need to continue to discipline myself and engage imaginatively in the meaning making!