PEDAGOGY OF THE OPPRESSED

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by Paulo Freire (1970)

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We inhabit a world and society that dehumanises the oppressed. To reach a state of humanisation, one must become aware of their own incompletion, and then strive toward completion. An education process that encompasses everyday reality is necessary here. Hence, the model of education must be changed from the banking method with its deposits of abstract data into the mind of the student, to the problem-posing method. Whereby reality is perceived not as a static and frozen state of affairs nor a magical realm beyond comprehension and discernment, but rather, a problem posed as a challenge. In this way, reality can be transformed by the oppressed. Moreover, to assess the true needs of the oppressed requires one to observe, listen to, speak with, and engage with the oppressed on their terms. One may have to travel to the lands of the oppressed and live among them as an equal. Praxis and reflection are developed in partnership and cooperation between teacher and student. The teacher is there to learn, as are all. Non-fiction. 156 pages.

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DETAILS:

Title: Pedagogy of the oppressed

Year: 1970

Author: Paulo Freire

Pages: 156

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Book review by Keith Salter