Critical Pedagogy

Critical pedagogy is not a theory in itself, but it is the application of critical theory in pedagogy. This is an emancipatory approach. According to Freire, we are all involved in oppressive structures, directed by classes or dominant groups. Education has an intrinsic liberating action.

The change occurs with the dialogue; man was created to communicate with other men. Freire believes that words can become a transforming element of society. Freire is contrary to the conception of education where knowledge is deposited in students, being a domesticating instrument. He affirmed that education is an instrument for liberation and that in order to be liberated, those who were under oppressive control had to achieve an awareness of how the different contexts of gender, politics, race and social class play a preponderant role in the construction of your reality.

From my point of view, one of the most interesting elements of Freire's theory is the "fear of freedom." This fear is present both in the oppressed and in the oppressor. The oppressor is afraid of losing the freedom to oppress, while the oppressed have a fear of assuming or possessing their own freedom.

For Doctorate students (and I want to believe that it's not just my case), the transition from being part of a labour system (where there are clear guidelines on the activities to develop) to an environment where those students are responsible for guiding and executing their Research can be scary. Freire's theories apply in this case because once the student learns to use the methods and tools (used by the teachers of the program), they can become the architect of their reality.