Overview
This lecture explores the core ideas of liberation education through the philosophies of Paulo Freire and Myles Horton, emphasizing student empowerment, critical thinking, and the democratization of learning.
Introduction to Liberation Education
- Liberation education seeks to empower learners by challenging traditional hierarchies in education.
- It focuses on enabling students to become critical thinkers and active participants in their own learning.
Paulo Freire’s Educational Philosophy
- Freire criticized the "banking model" where teachers deposit information into passive students.
- He emphasized dialogue, mutual respect, and problem-solving in education.
- Freire believed education should help students understand and transform their social realities.
Myles Horton and the Highlander School
- Myles Horton developed educational practices at the Highlander School aimed at social justice and community empowerment.
- The Highlander School prioritized experiential learning and collective action.
- Horton saw education as a tool for people to address their own problems and create change.
Similarities and Differences between Freire and Horton
- Both Freire and Horton advocated for participatory, student-centered approaches.
- Freire’s work was more theoretical, while Horton’s focus was practical, rooted in community organizing.
- Both challenged traditional authority in education.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Liberation Education — An approach that aims to free learners from oppression through critical thinking and active engagement.
- Banking Model (Freire) — A traditional education style where teachers "deposit" knowledge into passive students.
- Dialogue — Two-way communication between teacher and student, emphasizing shared learning.
- Experiential Learning — Learning through direct experience and reflection.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Freire’s "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" and Horton’s educational methods.
- Reflect on how traditional and liberatory models appear in your own education experience.
- Prepare questions about applying liberation education in classroom settings.