paulo freire we make the road by walking

While they agree on many things, Horton and Freire disagree on several points. Freire advised him and published a book about the experience, Pedagogy In Process: The Letters to Guinea Bissau (1978). Gender makes an appearance in a discussion of when to intervene in a sexist practice (131-2).įreire references Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral, who led a rebellion in Guinea Bissau. Related to that is the political power inherent in teaching and learning, as when “e took over the county politically by using education” (125). Interesting critique of political leaders for being too focused on emotion (109), instead of being “translators” of the people’s will (111). Horton’s autobiographical stories are simply amazing, from organizing a union (110-111) to being held at gunpoint for not teaching (126-7).

It’s a code word for the existing system.” (102)

“here can be no such thing as neutrality.

“If I’m the expert, my expertise is in knowing not to be an expert or in knowing how I feel experts should be used.” (131).

It’s a process, a permanent process.It has to do with the human existence and curiosity.” (119)

“Education is before, is during, and is after.

“When you’re talking, you aren’t learning.” (114).

How much politics can you teach in a biology class (104)? When should a teacher give their opinion on a subject (107)? When does expertise empower or disempower learners (120-1, 128-9)? When should faculty oppose their institution (142-3)? There are a lot of practical, tactical questions in this chapter. They tease out the links and differences between teaching and political organization, then return to the previous chapter’s theme of authority and authoritarianism in education. Myles Horton and Paolo Freire start with their preference for combined theory and practice, then argue for teaching that situates curriculum in social context. “Ideas” explores the intersection between politics and education. Don’t miss the rich comments on chapters 1+2, and Adam Croom’s great post on those chapters. To read previous posts and comments about this reading, including explanations of what we’re up to, click here. In this post I’ll offer a summary of the reading, followed by some reflections and discussion questions. In this post we can discuss chapter 3, “Ideas”.

Welcome to our book club’s ongoing reading of We Make the Road by Walking.

Paulo freire we make the road by walking