Short Reflection

The theme that stands out for me among the readings is the idea of becoming vulnerable. This idea is in the talk given by Brene Brown. It is also in DTL chapter 1, where it is stated plainly that daring (making oneself vulnerable) is in knowing one will fail and yet going all in anyway. It is also in the concept of the promotion of literacy discussed by bell hooks. This is evident in the way hooks explains democratic education: it is not something that should be denied anyone; rather it is something that exists for all and that should be accessible by all. By offering everything to everyone, one holds nothing back for oneself. The teacher becomes vulnerable so that the learner can become empowered. It is the ultimate act of givingand that sense of giving is really the underlying theme that I see flowing through all the works we have looked at thus far.

In my personal and professional experiences, I have always found that I gain nothing when I try to protect myself from being hurt or disappointedbut that I gain everything when I open myself to scorn or failure and make myself vulnerable. If I dont try, I always wonder what would have happened. There is always that regret. But if I try and give all, there is nothing to wonder about: I did what I could. And maybe I succeeded and maybe I failedbut I tried.

Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but in the classroom, it can be a strength. That is one of the main points that bell hooks makes in the idea of promoting democratic education. Being vulnerable means being open to new ideas and giving up the need to be right all the time. It shows that you are willing to take risks and learn from your mistakes. This can create a more open and supportive...…in my personal and professional life is to make myself more vulnerable. As the readings suggest, vulnerability fosters courage and creativity, as people are more likely to take risks when they feel supported. By becoming vulnerable as professional educators, we are allowing learners to become vulnerable tooto take that step into the unknown with us, where we will all be transformed. I have definitely experienced this as a learner and as a teacher: nothing is gained in either case if one stays rooted to one spot thinking this is where safety and security can be found. We have to move to grow.

Yes, it is true: the readings have shown to me that vulnerability is essential for building trust, both within communities and between different groups, and especially between teachers and students. When people feel comfortable being vulnerable with each other, it creates a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect. In short, vulnerability is an essential part of democratic education because it fosters understanding, honesty,…