"Pedagogy of the Oppressed"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Paul Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed". Specifically, it focuses on an incident from the writer's personal educational experience as a student and interprets the incident according to Freire's philosophy. The paper suggests that narrowly defined roles that the student and teacher must play to be successful, dehumanizes the process of education and often creates classrooms where original thought and argument are discouraged or ignored.

From the Paper:

"Freire also notes that people suffer under this form of education. It was clear our teacher was suffering, because he did not seem to have any joy or interest in the information he was depositing, he was simply reciting it and expecting us to remember it. We suffered as well, because as students we found no joy or interest in the class or the information we were supposed to remember. I did not have a true appreciation of history until I reached college, and had more engaging professors who had a true interest in the subject and how they imparted knowledge to their students. This experience really helped make me aware of the difference between "good" and "bad" teachers. Those who engage in the banking form of education not only stifle and shortchange their students; they stifle and shortchange themselves. They become lifeless, mechanical teachers who take no enjoyment in their job and their knowledge, and so do not awaken and enjoyment in their students. This is a sad state of education, and unfortunately, it seems to still be very common throughout the American educational system. In order for it to change, our society and culture need to set different roles for students and teachers, to encourage more growth, fulfillment, and knowledge sharing in the educational environment."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Freire, Paulo. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Continuum Books, 1993.

More papers on "Pedagogy of the Oppressed":

• Book Review # 111263 : "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" and American Schooling"
• Article Review # 119988 : "Review of Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed"
• Book Review # 26258 : "Pedagogy of the Oppressed"

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