Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Something to chew on...

"One of the tasks of the progressive educator, through a serious, correct political analysis is to unveil opportunities for hope, no matter what the obstacles may be. After all, without hope there is little we can do. For hope is an ontological need...The attempt to do without hope in the struggle to improve the world, as if that struggle could be reduced to calculated acts alone, or a purely scientific approach, is a frivolous illusion." (Freire, 1998a)

What are your thoughts?

Critical Literacy - Part One (December 17, 2008)

No doubt, you heard or saw some things that you may have struggled with. Critical literacy is not so black and white as teaching functional literacy skills, and admittedly, not without controversy. Clearly, I am very passionate about the topic and I have encountered opposition along the way. Sometimes, changing our practice can be very lonely and isolating, but for me, the end result was worth the effort.

What are your thoughts so far? Do you see this mindset working in your classroom? In your school? Explain your feelings. Please feel free to be as honest and forth-coming as possible. The purpose of this activity is not to be judgemental of each other, but rather to work out our feelings on this rather complex issue. When you have posted, please read other responses and react to one.