Chapter 2 of "Pedagogy of the Oppressed"

Paulo Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed”

This chapter stated in eloquent terms that to be an effective and constructive teacher, I would need to introduce dialog and critical thinking more than the “banking” approach.  This article went along with much of the reason I became a teacher in the first place.  I have had many English professors shoot down evidentiary-based conclusions on certain topics based on what they want the students to take away.  Instead of listening and awarding the student on his/her critical thinking skills, the student was reprimanded for not agreeing with the majority of others.  On the topic of poetry, a “banking” approach is probably the worst possible way of instruction.  Poems are meant to be used as tools for uncovering truths for the individual.  Who is to say that there can only be one meaning?  Dialog and critical thinking skills should be incorporated in almost all aspects of instruction, especially in the English classroom.  In order for our students to be able to grow and think on their own they need to develop the skills in order to look at the world through a critical lens.  The only problem with this approach in some ways is that not all things are meant for dialog.  For example, grammar is something that is concrete like mathematics and certain areas of science.  Granted, the teacher can make lessons, which involve dialog and critical thinking, but some lessons are pretty straightforward.  This chapter has great definitions of what instruction needs to look like, but where does it say how to produce this type of learning environment?  How can you create such critical thinkers with grammar?  I did agree fully on the account that teachers are learners too.  During discussions on texts with family members that are younger, I found that I still have much to learn.  There is no age where a person reaches full understanding of everything, because we all have different experiences.  Different experiences off varying insights, which means that students sometimes have more profound insights and ideas than their teachers.  With this in mind, it is important to stay off of a pedestal as a teacher and join in sitting with the students at a desk!