Saturday, December 8, 2012
Can education liberate?
I've heard many times that, Knowledge is Power.
Paulo Freire (1996) in his book, Pedagogy of Freedom, states that "to teach is not to transfer knowledge but to create the possibilities for the production or construction of knowledge". Also, that "it's in making decisions that we learn to decide".
As you reflect on Freire's words, do you think education can liberate? If yes, from what and how.
Prof. Lopez
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Do Freire’s words come included with our BA diplomas and the latest MA diplomas? I heard them in this class and I heard them almost every day in my Philosophical Fundamentals of Education course with Prof. Sánchez. Freire’s words “…create the possibilities for the production or construction of knowledge,” can be best described as the slogan for Pragmatism, specifically constructivist educators.
ReplyDeleteFreire’s words inspire a sort of freedom in education. Students will be free to choose what they want to learn and how they want to learn it, keeping a certain proximity to the curriculum. The students will feel free to construct their own knowledge, to make this knowledge meaningful for them. The teacher will also have a sort of freedom. Teachers will serve as guides in the students’ learning process rather than lecturing dictators.
Taking a more constructivist approach in education will help students become more critical. Instead of fabricating mindless sheep in the classroom, the teacher can move closer towards the production of unique and critical individuals. It will free society from the chains that hold it down today for a better tomorrow.
"My role as a “progressive” teacher is not only that of teaching mathematics or biology but also of helping the students to recognize themselves as the architects of their own cognition process."
-Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of Freedom
This is something we cannot forget; students need to be active agents in their education.
Definitely, education is the key to success in all aspects of a human beings life. The purpose of learning is not to simply acknowledge certain facts or information. The way we function, communicate and live our daily lives depends on the skills, content and meaningful experiences we acquire through education. Education makes us better and more successful human beings overall. This is why it’s important for educators, parents and society as a whole, to make sure that the content and skills being taught cover a wide range of subjects or content areas and experiences. Also, education must be inclusive, being available to everyone no matter what needs they may have.
ReplyDeleteFreire’s Pedagogy of Freedom, stresses the importance of practice and theory working together as one. Educators must be fully committed to enhance the learning process by combining both concepts. Freire believes that being ethical should be one of educators’ main goal. Teachers must be aware their own biases before teaching. One must evaluate himself and be free of unethical judgments. Educators must strive to remain as a facilitator and not shift to an authority figure in the learning environment.
The pedagogy of freedom states that students must perceive the learning process as an adventure. Teachers must also share such notion. As an educator one must not be immersed in an automated state of being. This means that every lesson, activity and method used in a classroom should have its own essence and way of development. Students must desire to learn, and they can only attain such by being curious and interested in the content. Overbearing educators kill such sense of motivation and interest when wanting to systemize and place boundaries to the education process.
Both students and educators must be aware of their role as an active member of society. Our history, our existence in the context we live in must be acknowledged and embraced. We must be hopeful and willing to end with obstacles that limit our freedom to become free and critical thinkers. Only when we are aware that we are capable of changing the world in either positive or negative ways, were able to see the value of our gained knowledge and the power it gives us.
Teachers need to allow students to think for themselves and implement their background knowledge in to the learning process. I concur with Freire, in the argument that students must be allowed to develop their own autonomy and identity. For such reason, as teachers we cannot discriminate or let our own ideas place obstacles in the teaching and learning process. Students must learn to compare and contrast ideas, and be able to determine their own stances regarding different dilemmas.
Freire states that joy and hope must be reflected on education. Our humanity must be part of our praxis. Teachers must constantly reflect, and be willing to make changes if necessary. The learning environments we expose students to should allow them to be free and active learners. Just like teachers, students must also acknowledge their role as ethical beings that are responsible for the success of their learning experience. In conclusion and as mentioned by Freire, teachers will always leave marks on students no matter how positive or negative such students perceive them. We must contribute to a positive outlook on education, and not crush the innate curiosity and interest all human beings have as learners.
I believe education can, in fact, liberate in many ways. However it requires effort in order for this to happen. Education builds, within a person, fortifications they would not otherwise have. It creates character as well as expands their existing knowledge base. It can’t, however, liberate anyone unless that person seeks to be liberated. Education requires sacrifice and hard work. It gives you the tools you need, but it is up to you to use them once you have acquired them. People can free themselves using these tools. They can gain independence, knowledge and, ultimately, become self-sufficient and productive members of society.
ReplyDeleteWhat education frees you from and how is a more complex question to answer. Education frees you from ignorance. It frees you from not knowing how things are and how things work. It gives you an edge over those who would seek to use their knowledge to harm you or otherwise hinder your growth and your well-being. Knowing prevents you from being taken advantage of; it also protects you from being deceived and swindled. This is how education sets you free. It allows you to follow your own path and make your own decisions so that you may live as you want.
- Evelinda Rivera
It is so true! if people does not seek to be liberated they wont find freedom. And, they need to use the tools provided for them in order to find independence, knowledge and to become self-sufficient member of society.
DeleteYes! for me education liberates. When we educate we know that we are liberating students and others to get rid of their lack of knowledge. And we can transform ourselves into smart, professional and respectful people,that think logically. It is important to know that Freire is basically calling us out to learn and use education as an instrument. This will help us gain freedom and it will integrate us with different generations. When we learn we are breaking the cycle of conformity therefore we gain freedom. When we educate ourselves, we are able to expand our knowledge and develop a transformation on our world. Education means liberty education means transformation. Educated people develop amazing critical thinking skills that help them to get intrigued by what’s happening around them. If you want freedom you must discover education.-Anaira-
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that education is the source that can liberate all minds. Education can liberate people from lack of knowledge, which becomes sometimes obstacles in their way of living a better life. If the person allows it, education can change their thinking ways and be transformed into critical thinkers. Also, education creates in us the possibility, as Paulo Freire said to “construct our own knowledge”, and criteria for life. So I can say that education provides independence and awareness for every person who takes advantage of learning. As we learn from every tread, we become a step closer to being free. Thanks to all the decisions made during struggles and shaking-ups of our minds we become free and our students as well. In conclusion, education makes us liberated, and free us from ignorance and prejudice (as we saw in the diversity in the classroom), allowing the individual to function in a greater extent and be absolutely free to do anything he/she sets their mind to.
ReplyDeleteJeiny L. Hernández Cancel
I personally believe that Paulo Freire's words are completely true. As educators we aren't transferring our knowledge to our students, we provide them with the information and tools to create and produce their knowledge, which is why in lectures sometimes some students learn one part of the lesson and others learn a different part better.
ReplyDeleteWhen making decisions we do learn to decide, it gives us an idea of what to do in a similar situation in the future. Sometimes when we make a decision we regret in the future we'll be more careful, or skeptical to make a similar decision. When you decide to pay attention in class and make an effort to learn the material the teacher/professor is teaching than you will see your rewards in your knowledge of the lesson.
I think that education can liberate anyone from the situation they are in. Education liberates people because if you have a low income and are studying than after you graduate possibilities of finding a job are higher. In today's society if you don't have at LEAST a Master's degree you aren't going very far, because a Bachelor's degree is like a high school diploma now. So I believe that an education can liberate us from problems that can be caused in the future by not having an education, like job opportunities, lifestyle and being able to afford a nice life for your family. There are many parts of life that can be affected without an education.
Rosa N. Gonzalez, Happy Holidays!!! <3
Wonderful choice of words. Setting education free is an incredible thing to seek and hopefully achieve.
ReplyDeleteEducation does in fact liberate. Freire tells us how our unjust society is composed of two positions: the oppressor and the oppressed. The oppressors are those who are educated like politics ,other forms of government and educated people and of course the oppressed which are those who do not have education and are easily manipulated. To have a voice and be heard we have to be an educated society, this way avoiding the government to control and manipulate our lives. Education makes an individual secure, strong willed and allows our voices to be heard.
ReplyDeleteAixa Tello