Pedagogy of the oppressed by Freire - Essay Example

Other (s) Pedagogy of the oppressed In the Chapter 2 of his book d “pedagogy of theoppressed”, Paulo Fraire critically examines the effects of the “banking approach to education” on both the teachers and the students. The author metaphorically uses the banking approach to education to support his arguments that in the contemporary education system, students are treated like empty bank accounts which should always remain open to regular deposits by their teachers. According to Fraire, the banking approach to education should be rejected not only due to its dehumanizing nature but also because this kind of educational approach encourages oppressive attitudes and practices in our contemporary society (Freire, 71).

Consequently chapter 2 of the book Pedagogy of the oppressed consequently proposes a new relationship between students, teachers and the society. Although I agree with Fraire’s advocacy for a more mutual and world mediated approach to education that is humane and is based on the assumption that people are incomplete, I disagree with his proposal that individuals should always acquire a love of life by cultivating their being and being with the world and not being of the world. This is particularly because in my opinion, when people stop fighting for their interests as well as for their cultural and social emancipation, then the love of life may be lost.

It is however true that Fraire the contemporary pedagogy is similar to the “banking model” because it treats learners as empty vessels that should be filled with knowledge rather than treating the students as co-creators of knowledge.Works CitedFreire, Paulo. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Continuum books, 1993.Print.