Critical Pedagogy Framework

Core Philosophy

Education as tool for liberation and social transformation. Critiques traditional schooling for reinforcing social inequalities and power imbalances.

Pioneer: Paulo Freire

Key Objectives

Critical Consciousness Development

• Awareness of societal oppression
• Questioning the world both inside and outside classroom
• Analyze the world through a more critical lens

Power Differential Minimization

• Reduce teacher-student hierarchy
• Invite "dialogue among diverse and even clashing perspectives"
• Student empowerment over teacher indoctrination

Challenge Dominant Narratives

• Question "unquestioned norms" and "hegemonic stratification"
• Expose the "hidden curriculum"
• Democratic process where beliefs are "brought into question for open and rational discussion"

Rejection of "Banking Concept"

Traditional Model (Rejected):

• Teacher "deposits" information into students' minds
• Passive reception of knowledge
• Reinforces authority structures

Critical Model (Embraced):

• Teacher as co-investigator
• Students as active participants in learning
• Knowledge constructed through dialogue

Application to Devil's Advocate Method

Why Teacher's Personal Views Are Suppressed

• Goal is to empower student, not indoctrinate
• Teacher transcends personal bias for higher pedagogical purpose
• Focus shifts from teacher authority to validity of ideas themselves

Democratic Process Modeling

• Demonstrates rational discussion in action
• Shows how beliefs can be questioned openly
• Students learn to challenge assumptions rather than accept authority

Practical Implications

• Create space for diverse perspectives
• Challenge students to question status quo
• Focus on idea validity over teacher opinion
• Promote social justice through critical inquiry

Connection to My Teaching Philosophy

This framework directly supports my emphasis in Teaching Philosophy on "amplifying marginalized voices," "questioning power structures," and "developing critical perspectives on educational equity and justice."

Critical Examination

My analysis in Critical Pedagogy Blinds When Progressive Education Perpetuates Harm reveals how this framework can be misused to avoid accountability. The key is ensuring the framework serves students rather than protecting institutional/teacher interests.

Key Connections

• Links to Socratic Method Applications through questioning approach
• Supports Student Response Management by normalizing intellectual challenge
• Informs Classroom Environment Building for psychological safety
• Connects to Devil's Advocate Methodology as tool for challenging assumptions