This weeks blog post is based off the “Introduction: The Problem of Common Sense” by Kumashiro. Ill be answering the following two questions: How does Kumashiro define common sense and why is it important to pay attention to common sense?

“Commonsensical ideas are often what help us make sense of and feel at ease with the things that get repeated in our everyday lives” (Kumashiro, 2009). 

Based off of this quote, Kumashiro defines ‘common sense’ as familiarity or the norm. It is so natural to us that it is something we do not question doing. In terms of schools, we never question why we are learning the way we are, because to us it is common sense. For example, it is common sense to split classes up by age level. This would be defined as ‘common sense’ because it is a norm we have been accustomed to. It is what feels comfortable and would most likely cause a great amount discomfort if we went against it.

“After all, common sense does not tell us that this is what schools should be doing; it tells us that this and only this is what schools should be doing.” (Kumashiro, 2009) 

Paying attention to common sense is important because it is something that often attaches itself to curriculum. However, common sense is not the factor that should create curriculum or reform. Common sense is something that we should constantly be challenging in order for us to create anti-oppresive education. I believe in doing this we can eliminated the “common sense” views and norms on gender, race, religion, etc.. When we eliminate those common sense believes in our schools, we are opening a much wider door for students to learn and explore not only education wise, but within themselves.

“Common sense is not what should shape educational reform or curriculum design; it is what needs to be examined and challenged.” (Kumashiro, 2009)

Work Cited:

Introduction. The problem of common sense (Kumashiro. (2009). Against Common Sense: Teaching and Learning Toward Social Justice, pp. XXIX – XLI).