What are paradigms? What is a paradigm shift? Have you had one? Why is it important for teachers to experience paradigm change?

     The comprehension of a particular subject, or area, or information that has no training is known as a Paradigm. It gives the person a knowledgeable point of view and its point of view. For example, a paradigm is when a person has a knowledge base in a particular field. For example, the difference between a Special Education teacher’s point of view and a parent’s point of view is that one may see the students differently than the parent of that student. If a parent walks in and see the student disruptive, the parent may view the teacher as having poor classroom management, as otherwise, the teacher would view the student’s behavior as an aspect of their condition or behavior.

     When the same situation occurs, but there are changes to its outcome, it is known as a Paradigm shift. During the Paradigm shift, the situation is the same, except when it is experienced, the whole belief about that particular incident and belief changes. For example, for a teacher believes that all students should be able to control themselves, and to behave in the proper manner. When a situation happens, and not all students perform up to the expectations of the teacher, the situation changed the teacher’s belief and knowledge base about the students. The teacher comes to the realization that not all students are exactly alike.

     To be honest with you, I had a paradigm shift. The paradigm shift happened when I first started volunteering at Miami Central’s Autism Department. I came with the belief that a couple of students will be extremely difficult to manage. When I was faced with the same situation at Booker T. Washington Senior High, my belief about the students changed, because not all students are exactly alike.

     The reason why it is important for a teacher to experience a paradigm shift because the teacher will be making the educational decisions that will affect the lives of their students. The teacher will be deciding hoe the educational material will be planned out in order for their student to get the maximum benefit of learning. In addition, teachers need to experience a paradigm shift because they will be responsible for the educational lives of students. Experiencing the paradigm shift will not only challenge you educationally, but it will challenge the beliefs that you once held, the attitudes that you once had, the values that you once upheld, and most importantly, your beliefs.

     Also, experiencing a paradigm shift will allow you to go through the complexes in the public school system. When a future educator goes through a paradigm shift, it will also allow you to make a very important decision that not only affects you and your classroom, but also the students and their parents.