Why is a science
educator writing a blog about a relationship book? When I meet new
people, I am often asked, “What do you teach?” I never give the right answer…
and by “right” answer I mean the “expected” answer. The right answer for me
would be “science.” But I don’t teach science. I teach people. I teach people
of all sorts, but I am paid primarily to teach future science teachers. One of
the constant reminders I give those future science teachers is that, “We don’t
teach science, we teach children.”
Off Task. It
is this realization that so often has me off
task as a science educator. What do I mean by off task? I mean doing things other than teaching science. When we
function as though we teach science, science becomes the focal point of our
educational interaction. We plough through scientific formulas, historical
factoids, and esoteric minutia, with reckless abandon. It makes no difference
if children are with us or not. It makes no difference if the formulas,
factoids, and minutia make sense to them or not… are relevant or not… are
beneficial or not! I am a science teacher, By Gum! And teaching science is what
I’m going to do.
By contrast when we accept that we teach children, children
become the focal point of our interaction. The prevailing question guiding that
interaction should be, “What do these children need?”
Let Me Be Clear. I have recently begun reading the book, God’s Gift: How to be a Good Black Woman to a Strong Black Man. Now before you start looking at me funny, let me be clear. I am a man. I do not wear a pink shoe, nor do I advocate the wearing of pink shoes. I decided to read the book when I heard the author, Angela Freeman, doing a radio interview. First of all I was very impressed by her insight and her perspective. Also, as an educator, I realize that what she is addressing is essential to the educational success of Black children. Freeman’s book is written by a Black woman for other Black women. The aim of the book is to provide insight that will help Black women repair and heal the structure of Black families.
Let Me Be Clear. I have recently begun reading the book, God’s Gift: How to be a Good Black Woman to a Strong Black Man. Now before you start looking at me funny, let me be clear. I am a man. I do not wear a pink shoe, nor do I advocate the wearing of pink shoes. I decided to read the book when I heard the author, Angela Freeman, doing a radio interview. First of all I was very impressed by her insight and her perspective. Also, as an educator, I realize that what she is addressing is essential to the educational success of Black children. Freeman’s book is written by a Black woman for other Black women. The aim of the book is to provide insight that will help Black women repair and heal the structure of Black families.
My Expert Opinion.
Black children don’t suffer educationally because our homes are in chaos. Black
children suffer because of racism white supremacy. The fact that our homes are
in chaos means that we are unable to provide them with the safety and security
that would help them to prosper in spite of racism white supremacy. So as a
teacher of children it is my expert opinion that Black children need mothers
who read, study, and apply this book. I am currently 1/3 of the way through the
book. I will provide a complete review in a future edition. In the meantime,
purchase three copies of the book: one for yourself and 2 for friends.
Jomo W. Mutegi is a husband and father committed to the improvement of the African world community, an author of science-related children’s books, and an Associate Professor of Science Education. To learn more about Jomo’s children’s books, visit www.JomoMutegi.com. To learn more about Dr. Mutegi’s research visit www.ES2RP.org.
