Reflection on reading:
Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed has had a significant impact on teaching in higher education, particularly in the fields of social justice and critical pedagogy.
Freire’s ideas challenge the traditional top-down approach to education, in which the teacher is seen as the authority figure who transmits knowledge to passive students. Instead, he advocated for a more collaborative and participatory approach, in which students are encouraged to engage critically with the material and to develop their own understanding of the world around them.
In higher education, this approach has led to the development of student-centered learning environments, where students are encouraged to take an active role in their own education. This can include collaborative learning activities, project-based assignments, and opportunities for students to engage with the wider community.
Freire’s emphasis on critical reflection and dialogue has also influenced teaching in higher education. This has led to an increased focus on critical thinking skills, and the development of teaching strategies that encourage students to question assumptions, challenge their own beliefs, and engage in meaningful conversations with their peers.
I think current learning environments in higher education, are now much more aligned with Freire’s ideologies in this book. I am particularly interested in his ideas around collaborative learning that extends beyond the university into the wider community and the value of this kind of learning for students. This is something I would like to explore further in my research based project later in the year.