Monday, October 7, 2013

Paulo Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed” Chapter 2


Chapter one of Freire was a confusing blur to me, yet after in class discussion the chapter was a lot clearer to me. Through discussion I learned that Freire was explaining that education can open spaces students don’t know are there. I also was introduced to the question of whether the teacher’s role is to break down the power structure and to help students achieve independence. Understanding chapter one allowed for chapter two to be more easily read.

The purpose of school is to prepare students for what comes after high school, in education and life. Although some believe that students are just vessels of knowledge, “Narration (with the teacher as narrator) leads the students to memorize mechanically the narrated account. Worse yet, it turns them into "containers," into "receptacles" to be "filled" by the teachers” (Freire), there is more to the student then that, they are young adults seeking to grow. The classroom should allow a save environment for students to ask questions and grow.

The job of teachers, therefore, is to encourage a safe environment. Teachers spend as much time with students nine months of the year as their parents do, and in some cases more time. As Freire explains, although a student may remember information, they may forget the principles that guide them to that information. Students are exploring their knowledge through voice, and their fresh perspective should be acknowledge and encouraged by teachers.

After reading chapter two I gained a lot of knowledge, yet at the same time developed a lot of questions. The idea of the banking concept of education caught my attention and I hope after discussion today that I will better understand what Frier was meaning. Freire, although it was difficult for myself and a few fellow candidates to understand entirely, is beneficial to teacher candidates because of his approach to education, and the purpose of both teachers and students. Frier opens doors that some may not think to consider or try to understand.

No comments:

Post a Comment