Throughout the semester TE 448 has been the highlight of my week. I really enjoyed the intimacy of the class discussions as well as the comfort level in the room. I think that what I really learned by taking the class is that literacy can be used in many ways in dealing with diversity. First, text can provide comfort for the insiders of a particular group of diverse people. Further, the text can provide information about those groups to those who may be outsiders or unknowledgable about the group. Even more, the text can be used to reflect on one's own views, misconceptions, and assumptions that may be dwelling in a classroom setting. I think that the class made me understand the importance of the author's background and whether or not he or she is part of the group, has done valid research, or had long term experience with the particular group they are writing about. I also really enjoyed using the blogs and thought it was a great space to share afterthoughts and fun ideas about topics or different pieces of literature.
I now understand that when a class reads a book discussion is necessary, but specific prompts may force students to not share their own unique interpretations. I really think that I got the most out of this class during those discussions where all group members were prepared, focused, and enthusiastic about the topic. I would have liked to learn more about how to guide but not lead discussions as well as how to engage the students in the topic in order to make them excited and inspired to really gain something from each book. I thought the organization of the course was great and that there is a real need for more children's literacy courses for education majors because it really gives you an understanding about what specific qualities to look for in a valuable piece of literature.