2023-08-31_Paulo_Freire_Week1Report_RubyNavarro
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Apr 3, 2024
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Paulo Freire: A Pioneer in Critical Pedagogy and Empowerment
Ruby Navarro
COH 612 Health Policy and Advocacy
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Introduction
Paulo Freire (1921-1997), a Brazilian philosopher, educator, and advocate for
transformative education, is prominent in the annals of educational theory and practice. His
groundbreaking contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of education, particularly in
the realms of critical pedagogy and empowerment. Freire's ideas have influenced educators and
scholars worldwide, reshaping pedagogical practices and challenging traditional educational
approaches.
Critical Pedagogy and Empowerment
Central to Freire's philosophical framework is the notion of "critical consciousness," a
word he devised to denote individuals' capacity to analyze and comprehend their social and
political environments critically. The concept described served as the foundation for his
formulation of critical pedagogy, an educational methodology that aims to enhance the agency of
students by fostering critical thinking, facilitating discourse, and cultivating a comprehensive
comprehension of the socio-political influences that mold their existence (McVeigh &
Manlaykhaf, 2021). Freire posited that education had the potential to function as a catalyst for
both individual and community empowerment, therefore equipping underprivileged populations
with the means to confront oppressive systems and actively strive for societal reform.
Problem-Posing Education
Central to Freire's pedagogical approach is rejecting the traditional "banking" education
model, in which educators deposit knowledge into passive students. Instead, he championed a
"problem-posing" approach, wherein educators and learners engage in a collaborative process of
inquiry and dialogue (Freire, 1997). The integration of critical thinking in pedagogy serves to
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democratize the learning environment. Freire posited that education must be a collaborative,
assumptions-challenging experience for educators and learners.
Addressing Historical Subjugation
The historical subjugation experienced by all and sundry profoundly influenced the
development of Freire's educational views. He contended that education may not entirely free
individuals or communities who have endured entrenched oppression, such as descendants of
enslaved peoples, from its lingering effects. Freire argued that liberation necessitates an astute
recognition of outer constraints, such as colonialism and repressive regimes, and inner
limitations due to psychological and social programming. His ideas illuminated the intricate link
between personal experiences and larger societal structures, compelling educators to confront
internalized oppression and its external manifestations. Pedagogy of the Oppressed
Freire's renowned work, Pedagogy of the Oppressed
, was first released in Portuguese and
later translated into English in 1970. Encompassing a diverse array of subjects, from the
degrading impact of oppression to the liberating potential of education, this influential text
provides a detailed examination of his stances. Freire's philosophy sheds light on the limitations
of the conventional educational approach. Instead, he proposes a teachable moment focused on
intellectual curiosity, inclusive discussion, and a drive toward societal fairness (McVeigh &
Manlaykhaf, 2021). Conscientization entails the growth of critical insight and group activity
directed toward subverting oppressive frameworks.
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Impact and Controversy
Freire's thoughts have prevailed in education, influencing educators to reassess their
methods and emphasize learner autonomy. Pedagogy of the Oppressed
has become required
reading for an entire generation of intellectuals and reformers, selling millions of copies
worldwide. Regardless, Freire's contributions have sparked debate as the ideas that have drawn
censorship and opposition in diverse political and cultural settings expose the potency of his
concepts to provoke established norms and systems of governance. Conclusion
Paulo Freire's enduring legacy as a visionary philosopher and educator continues to shape
modern pedagogical practices. His emphasis on critical consciousness, empowerment, and
transformative learning has transcended geographic and cultural boundaries, inspiring educators
to create inclusive and socially just educational environments. By advocating for dialogue,
collaboration, and dismantling oppressive structures, Freire's work stands as a testament to the
potential of education to foster individual and societal liberation.
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References
Freire, P. (1997). Pedagogy of the Oppressed: 30th Anniversary Edition. Translated by Myra
Bergman Ramos.
https://envs.ucsc.edu/internships/internship-readings/freire-pedagogy-of-the-oppressed.pdf
McVeigh, R., & Manlaykhaf, Y. (2021, January 24). In Theory: Paulo Freire. Serpentine.
https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/art-and-ideas/paulo-freire/