Garth Boomer's address is a call to action for educators to engage in critical, reflective teaching. He urges teachers to be aware of the power dynamics in their classrooms, to remain flexible in their use of educational theories, and to create inclusive, supportive learning environments for all students. Above all, Boomer emphasizes the need for explicitness in teaching, arguing that making the implicit explicit is key to empowering students and making education possible.
In this third part of the "Education Great" podcast series, Garth Boomer delivers a powerful closing address titled "Making it Explicit, Making it Possible." Boomer opens with a stark reflection on the harsh realities of the world, cautioning educators against being swept away by the temporary excitement of conferences, and reminding them of the challenges that await in their everyday professional lives. He emphasises the importance of making the implicit explicit in education—ensuring that the hidden dynamics of power and influence in classrooms are brought to the forefront.
Boomer delves into the concept of power, challenging the notion that it can be handed over or shared by teachers with their students. Instead, he argues that power is a complex force that flows through interactions between people, institutions, and ideas. He warns that teachers who believe they can empower students may actually be reinforcing their own power, rather than genuinely liberating their students.
He further critiques the individualistic approach to education, advocating for a more socially interactive classroom environment where learning is seen as a collective endeavour. Boomer highlights the dangers of rigidly adhering to educational theories and methods, urging educators to remain adaptable and to re-theorise their practices in response to the dynamic nature of the classroom.
The address concludes with a call for teachers to recognise and navigate the cultural barriers that can exclude students, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. Boomer's narrative is a compelling reminder of the complexities of teaching and the need for educators to be both reflective and proactive in their approach to fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment.
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