Further examples of ‘hunting assumptions’

Here are some other examples that Brookfield cites. In each case, go beneath the surface assumption.  Try to take the perspective of different kinds of students and teachers. Jot down different views each might have on the assumption.  Does this exercise question the presumed unchallengability of the assumption?

Assumption 1

It’s common sense to cut lecturing down to a minimum, since lecturing induces passivity in students and kills critical thinking

Assumption 2

It’s common sense that students like group discussion because they feel involved and respected in such a setting. Discussion methods build on principles of participatory, active learning.

Assumption 3

It’s common sense that respectful, empathic teachers will downplay their position of presumed superiority and acknowledge their students as co-teachers.

Assumption 4

It’s common sense that teaching is essentially mysterious, so if we try to dissect it or understand its essence, we will kill it

Assumption 5

It’s common sense that teachers who have been working the longest have the best instincts about what students want and what approaches work best. If my own instincts as a novice conflict with what experienced teachers tell me is true I should put these instincts aside and defer to the wisdom of their experience.

Do you share the assumptions in the examples above?

• What are your reasons?
• Might different students have different perspectives on this?
• With what validity?
• Might different teachers have different perspectives on this?