15 Mastery Component
Critical pedagogy is a philosophy of education and social movement rooted in critical theory. It encourages students to explore and examine their surroundings; namely power structures, inequality, and social injustice in their learning and lives.
Critical pedagogy is largely attributed to Brazilian education Paulo Freire, who said that “by developing critical thinking skills within the education system, learners were more likely to connect their own problems and experiences to the wider social contexts around them”. Since then, critical pedagogy has risen in popularity as a way to ensure inclusive and educational communication and learning, not only enhancing learners’ critical thinking skills, but also instilling key qualities like empathy, consciousness, and understanding.
It aims to empower students by helping them understand their own lived experiences and how they are shaped by social and political forces (Wrexham University 2023).
Example of critical pedagogy theorists include:
- bell hooks
- Henry Giroux
- Ira Shor
- Joe Kincheloe
- Paulo Freire
- Peter McLaren
- many more…
Instructions
Select one theorist of critical pedagogy. Read a chapter or article by your chosen author. Using their ideas, critically analyse one aspect of mathematics teaching that you observed during placement or experienced as a learner.
Your reflection should consider questions such as:
- …
Length: 1000 words.