In between the process of reflecting on my own inquiry question, completing a whirlwind of assignments, and almost becoming totally sidelined by an unforeseen personal disaster, I was reminded that inquiry, the ability to connect, and the need to relate exists in every event, present or past. It was made clear to me through a discussion with a colleague and fellow Teacher candidate when he suggested the idea of a unit that contrasted famous military conflicts of the past with an individual’s inner conflict, and how war has public, but also deeply personal manifestations. Coping at the time with my own conflict, I realized that even difficult circumstances are rich opportunities in life.
Like all people, high school aged students are subject to the whims of the world around them, and using curricular material and learning objectives to juxtapose those things in the past with those things of their inner-present can become a powerful tool when deployed considerately. There’s no precise source or tool for this, only observation and reflection that can manifest in a praxis that can greatly build students academically and personally.
At the crux of my reflection is the idea that every single thing in the world and life carries with it the capability to merge itself with theory, reflection, and inquiry to create relatable content and material.
