Essay 1, Romanow, Fall 04

EN 102-10

Essay 1

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.  Projecting an absolute ignorance onto others, a characteristic of the ideology of oppression, negates education and knowledge as processes of inquiry.  (Freire, “The ‘Banking’ Concept of Education” 69)

              In “The ‘Banking’ Concept of Education, ”  Paulo Freire juxtaposes the idea of “education as the exercise of domination” (73) with “problem-posing” learning which “[responds] to the essence of consciousness” (73-74).  As we discussed in class, both of these types of learning do not necessarily have to do with education, but are seen in many of our life experiences.  Therefore, for your first essay:

 

• Describe a situation where you have seen the “Banking Concept” in practice.  What needed to be learned in this situation?  Who assumed the role of “teacher,” and who were the “students”?  You may discuss any area where you have seen “learning” take place: work, school, home, relationships, etc.
• How does this example replicate the Banking concept as it is outlined by Freire on pages 69-70?  Compare your experience with as many of the ten points Freire outlines as you may find relevant.  How did this situation differ from the ten points Freire outlines?  Be specific.
• In what ways did this experience create an “oppressive society” as Freire suggests?  Why might it been seen as necessary to “oppress” these “learners”?
• How might you re-frame this situation as a problem-posing method of learning?  What would need to be done to change the ways in which this learning takes place?
• How would problem-posing in this instance help to “[affirm] men as beings in the process of becoming” (76)?  How would it become “a humanist and liberating praxis” (78)?  What effect might this have on the material being learned, the job to be done, and the relationship between “teacher” and “student” in this situation?

 

Be sure that all sources are properly cited.  We will go over this in class, but please refer to the syllabus for websites that can help you to make sure that you are citing correctly.

 

All papers must be typed, in 12-font, double-spaced, and with standard margins.  Numbering your pages, and stapling your paper assures that pages will not be lost.

 

Rough draft due:  Tuesday, September 21

Final draft due: Thursday, September 23