Reflection 4

Transformation is a process that everyone goes through. Everyone has a point in life when they go through it. The difference is what happens and how it was transformed. When evaluating the reading on Paradigms and paradigms shifts, one becomes familiar with the meaning behind the terms. Paradigms are the basic, yet influential form of mental models. It is the way a group sees or interprets happenings. It is always believed to be the real truth. It is the point of view of the mass majority. For example, in many religions it is a “sin” to have intercourse before marriage. Based on the religion in which you were raised, you feel a sense of guilt if you committed this sin. Even if you convince yourself that it won’t matter, you will always feel as though you did something wrong. To disobey the doctrine will lead to being looked down upon by you God. With religion aside, everything we do is based on what we have learned to be right or wrong. When you’re a small child, your parents instill in you rules, values, morals, etc. In this reading we also get the definition of a paradigm shift. A paradigm shift is when a paradigm starts to lose its influence; past truths are replaces by new information. This leads to the transfer of truth from one paradigm to another. On the other hand, a personal paradigm shift is when the shift is caused by emotional or unavoidable events. This leads us to reevaluate our life and to question what’s real. I have had a few shifts in my life. I went from believing everything I learned in Sunday school, to actually discovering my own meanings to the morals. I believed the bible was stone and that I couldn’t break any of the rules or I would perish. Now I know that it is not true at all. I’ve learned many things are not what they seem. I have learned that I am my own mind. It is ok to question and ok to search for you own truth. As teacher, I think it is important to go through some sort of shifts in your teaching career. Times change; ideas change. Teachers should always be on the look out for information that can change the whole perspective. We are supposed to be open to new and fresh experiences. Who knows, what you learn could possibly be life changing.