PAULO FREIRE: CHAPTER 2 OF PEDAGOGY OF THE OPPRESSED

Throughout reading this chapter taken from “Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” I felt like the education system was not being accurately represented. It is possible that education looked this way years ago, but I truly do not believe that it accurately represents what education looks like today. The chapter focuses on the term “banking.” From my reading, it seemed as though the author felt that all teachers use the banking method. The first definition of banking states, “In the banking concept of education, knowledge is a gift bestowed by those who consider themselves knowledgeable upon those whom they consider to know nothing.” Through this teaching method, students become oppressed, static, hollow, and apart from reality. I do believe that there are a few teachers out there that use this method the way the chapter states; however, I do not believe that a majority of teachers use banking. Education is so much more. To give teaching one single connotation does not accurately describe what happens in the classroom from one day to the next. Not only that, but the chapter connects banking with the word necrophilous. As a future teacher, it is insulting to me to hear someone claim that any sort of “banking” can be equated to a person who loves all that does not grow. I don’t think an accusation like this can be made based solely on the teaching method of an individual, even if the teacher is using banking. The term banking in and of itself is used in an extremely negative way. While I understand that spewing information to zombie-like students does nothing when it comes to critical thinking, sometimes banking must be used in order to meet standards. Having students memorize, listen, and see the teacher as an authority figure is needed throughout the school year because that is what school is sometimes. Yes, this means students become “containers,” but I do not think that that has to have a negative connotation like this article implies. As long as the teacher does not take the “I know all and you know nothing” position, then being a container is what being a student is about. You go to school to get filled up with new knowledge and ways of thinking. I do believe that schools in general should allow for more critical thinking so students don’t feel as oppressed in their learning. However, because there are standards that must be met, a free “problem-posing” education system like the one proposed in the chapter is not realistic. Overall, I believe that the general idea of banking should not be the main teaching method a teacher chooses for their classroom. Sometimes this method must be used, but it does not have to be used in such a negative way. The teacher can still fill up the students with information without acting as if they know everything and the students know nothing and by connecting that information to reality to create a deeper sense of purpose for the information being given to them.