Reflection: Teacher’s Reflection about the Inquiry Challenge

One evening, José brought to class fliers advertising very inexpensive foreclosed property up for auction. He wanted to show us that it was possible to buy a house for as little as $30,000 or less. When I saw these fliers, my inquiry-based teaching style and Socratic ideals flew out the window. I stated emphatically that you cannot trust auctions because hidden costs often accompany such ventures: second mortgages, liens, etc. I didn’t rant but I lectured him, which was probably worse. A few days later, I witnessed a much better approach to the hot topic of auctions. After our speaker from the Cambridge Community Development Center introduced herself, José pulled out another flier announcing auctions and foreclosed property and said, “Look at all the homes you can buy cheap.” Instead of responding with warnings and cautions the way I had, the speaker quietly asked, “Why should you buy something you know nothing about?” This question made José stop and think. She suggested that he investigate any property by calling the appraiser first. Her style was not to zealously discourage him but to inform him of the realistic consequences of buying auctioned property.

José, like the other students, was deeply engaged by the issues and conflicts of homeownership. Even though I was worried that he would be taken in by an auction, I was delighted that he pursued the topic with thoughtful questions and reasoned arguments.

I admire the tenacity and persistence of all three students in learning about such a complex topic. I am confident that in a few years, or when they are ready, they will make good decisions about home buying. The course helped them, I believe, to know where they can go for assistance in home buying and to understand the home-buying process in more detail.