Khan, The Broken Model, Chapter 2: "Questioning Customs"

 In Chapter 2, "Questioning Customs," Khan argues that many of the routines and traditions used in schools continue simply because they have always been done that way, not because they are the best ways to support student learning. This author argues that educators should question long-standing practices and consider whether they still meet the needs of today's students. Rather than accepting school structures as fixed, Khan encourages teachers to think critically about how they can create more meaningful and equitable learning experiences.

One quote that stood out to me was, "Tradition alone is not evidence that something works." This statement captures the main idea of the chapter. Just because schools have followed certain routines for years does not mean they are effective. Khan reminds readers that educational practices should be evaluated based on how well they help students learn, not simply because they have always existed.

Another quote that I found meaningful was, "Innovation begins when we ask why." I liked this because it shows that improvement starts with questioning what we often take for granted. Instead of accepting customs without thinking about them, educators should reflect on whether those practices truly benefit students. Asking questions can lead to better teaching strategies and more inclusive classrooms.

This chapter connects well with Allan G. Johnson's Privilege, Power, and Difference. Johnson explains that many forms of inequality continue because systems are rarely questioned. Khan makes a similar point about education by showing that school customs can also continue without people stopping to consider whether they create barriers for some students. Both authors encourage readers to examine systems instead of simply accepting them.

I also connected this chapter to Gholdy Muhammad's Cultivating Genius. Muhammad encourages teachers to create learning experiences that value students' identities and promote critical thinking. Khan's message about questioning traditional educational practices supports this idea because both authors believe schools should change to better meet the needs of all learners instead of relying on outdated approaches.

As a special education teacher, this chapter was especially meaningful to me. Every student learns differently, and traditional teaching methods do not always provide the support that all learners need. Khan's message reminded me that it is important to remain flexible, reflect on my own teaching practices, and be willing to make changes that improve student learning. Questioning customs is not about rejecting everything schools have always done, it is about making sure our decisions are based on what is best for students today.

Hyperlink: TED talk: Do school's kill creativity?