Selected Papers by Ana Cruz
Postcolonial Directions in Education, 2022
As an important part of U.S. higher education, community colleges provide access to post-secondar... more As an important part of U.S. higher education, community colleges provide access to post-secondary education for students commonly underrepresented in higher education and from marginalized segments of U.S. society. These students also carry with them a long history of colonization resulting in domination, oppression and exploitation. They are susceptible to conform to workforce vocational training that emphasizes rote skills acquisition and to fitting into the corporatized society as ‘obedient’ workers. A Freirean critical pedagogy with concepts of conscientização, praxis, and questioning can constitute an avenue for students to decolonize their minds leading to awareness of possibilities and realization of potentials. Employing a Freirean critical pedagogy can also counter workforce vocational training by developing a critical pedagogy of work education as envisioned by Simon, Dippo & Schenke (1991) or a democratic vocational education as articulated by Kincheloe (1999).
The International Journal of Critical Media Literacy, 2019
In this ‘post-truth’ era with instantly spreading fake news and alternative facts, intentional pr... more In this ‘post-truth’ era with instantly spreading fake news and alternative facts, intentional production of ignorance and manufactured disinformation, the rapid erosion of digital privacy, coupled with a retreat of individuals to a life in cyberspace, the need for a critical media literacy education is more urgent than ever. Being oblivious regarding these threats to the digitally networked society is not an option since the future of humankind and the survival of a viable democracy are at stake. Revamping the curriculum to include a core course on critical media literacy at the college entry-level will constitute an important step in combatting these threats and supporting a democratic society. The current historical juncture is a time of disquiet, as espoused by Fernando
Pessoa (1888–1935), of restlessness and uncertainty everywhere. Critical media literacy remains the only hope in order to develop an understanding of what is happening in the rapidly changing and evolving digitally networked society. It is through a robust critical media literacy education that we will be able to learn how media is transforming not only our social world but our inner world as well.
Leaders in Critical Pedagogy: Narratives for Understanding and Solidarity, 2015
Understanding Neoliberal Rule in Higher Education: Educational Fronts for Local and Global Justice, Vol. II, 2015
‘Reclaiming the American Dream,’ a report by the American Association of Community Colleges, outl... more ‘Reclaiming the American Dream,’ a report by the American Association of Community Colleges, outlines the design for the future U.S. community college. Analysis of the report shows that it follows the neoliberal agenda for higher education including a focus on training students for a globalized economy. This contrasts with Freire’s view of education as liberating practice that emphasizes questioning, discussion, development of critical consciousness, and agency, all crucial elements for a vibrant democracy.
Paulo Freire's Intellectual Roots: Toward Historicity in Praxis, 2013
Becoming and Being a Teacher: Confronting Traditional Norms to Create New Democratic Realities, 2013
The preparation of classroom teachers is the subject of an enduring and intense
debate that is of... more The preparation of classroom teachers is the subject of an enduring and intense
debate that is often steered by political considerations. The current flare-up regarding
teacher evaluation, teacher tenure, and ranking of national Teacher Education
Programs is just the most recent chapter in this saga. This chapter focuses on teacher
preparation -- on becoming a teacher -- stressing the importance of early integration
of critical pedagogy into the teacher education curriculum. Critical pedagogy
promises not only to contribute to a professionally more competent classroom
teacher but also to a more competent, democratically conscious citizen. A modern,
truly democratic society needs a vigilant citizenry to counter the current
streamlining of all aspects of society along neoliberal designs.
International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, Special Issue - Paulo & Nita: Sharing Life, Love and Intellect, 2013
International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, Special Issue - Paulo & Nita: Sharing Life, Love and Intellect, 2013
En este comentario sobre el articulo de Giroux se aborda el ataque global de la ideologia neolibe... more En este comentario sobre el articulo de Giroux se aborda el ataque global de la ideologia neoliberaI a la educaci6n superior y la consiguiente amenaza para una democracia sustantiva. Se enfatiza la irnportancia de una cultura (global) -de la pregunta, avivada por la pedagogia critica, para sostener la democracia y acennia elllamamiento de Giroux para una accion colectiva transnacional que implique a los profesores universitarios como intelectuaIes publicos. Se analiza como la educacion critica puede fomentar una ciudadania critica con conciencia. Ademas del enfoque de Giroux sobre los Estados Unidos, se destaca tambien Brasil y Espana con la intencion de exponer las implicaciones globaIes del neoliberalismo, a la vez que se dan ejemplos de iniciativas educativas que pueden contrarrestar la amenaza que supone el neoliberalismo para la educacion y la democracia.
In this commentary on Giroux's article, the global assault of neoliberal ideology on
higher educa... more In this commentary on Giroux's article, the global assault of neoliberal ideology on
higher education and its imminent threat to substantive democracy is addressed. It emphasizes the importance of a (global) culture of questioning, kindled by critical pedagogy, to sustain democracy and accentuates Giroux's clarion call for a transnational collective agency involving academics as public intellectuals. How critical education can foster a consciously democratic citizenry is discussed. In addition to Giroux's focus on the U.S., Brazil and Spain are highlighted in an effort to expound the global implications of neoliberalirn while providing examples of educational initiatives that can counterbalance neoliberalism's threat to education and democracy.
Papers by Ana Cruz
The International Journal of Critical Media Literacy, 2019
In this ‘post-truth’ era with instantly spreading fake news and alternative facts, intentional pr... more In this ‘post-truth’ era with instantly spreading fake news and alternative facts, intentional production of ignorance and manufactured disinformation, the rapid erosion of digital privacy, coupled with a retreat of individuals to a life in cyberspace, the need for a critical media literacy education is more urgent than ever. Being oblivious regarding these threats to the digitally networked society is not an option since the future of humankind and the survival of a viable democracy are at stake. Revamping the curriculum to include a core course on critical media literacy at the college entry-level will constitute an important step in combatting these threats and supporting a democratic society. The current historical juncture is a time of disquiet, as espoused by Fernando Pessoa (1888–1935), of restlessness and uncertainty everywhere. Critical media literacy remains the only hope in order to develop an understanding of what is happening in the rapidly changing and evolving digital...
The International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, Dec 23, 2013
Aula De Encuentro Revista De Investigacion Y Comunicacion De Experiencias Educativas, 2012
In this commentary on Giroux's article, the global assault of neoliberal ideology on high... more In this commentary on Giroux's article, the global assault of neoliberal ideology on higher education and its imminent threat to substantive democracy is addressed. It emphasizes the importance of a (global) culture of questioning, kindled by critical pedagogy, to sustain democracy and accentuates Giroux's clarion call for a transnational collective agency involving academics as public intellectuals. How critical education can foster a consciously democratic citizenry is discussed. In addition to Giroux's focus on the U.S., Brazil and Spain are highlighted in an effort to expound the global implications of neoliberalirn while providing examples of educational initiatives that can counterbalance neoliberalism's threat to education and democracy.
The International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, Dec 23, 2013
College Courses Taught - Selected by Ana Cruz
This interdisciplinary capstone course encompasses aspects of cultural studies, cultural anthropo... more This interdisciplinary capstone course encompasses aspects of cultural studies, cultural anthropology, history, pedagogy, sociology, and music. Material from these disciplines will form the basis to address the diversity pertinent to Deaf culture. Exploring Deaf culture will facilitate an understanding of its relationship to Music. Comparison of the status of Deaf individuals in the United States of America and in other countries will add an international component to the course.
Multicultural Education is designed to examine the multicultural context of education and prepare... more Multicultural Education is designed to examine the multicultural context of education and prepare students to understand and reach learners from diverse backgrounds, with diverse characteristics, and with differing social identities. The course will address issues of educational equity, sociocultural influences on teaching and learning, and how teachers and schools can contribute to interpersonal and intercultural understanding and respect, social justice, and democratic citizenship.
Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society is designed to examine education practice from dive... more Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society is designed to examine education practice from diverse historical, philosophical, sociological, economic, and legal perspectives. The course will address issues of educational equity, sociocultural influences on teaching and learning, and how teachers and schools can contribute to interpersonal and intercultural understanding and respect, social justice, and democratic citizenship. Students will explore the nature of school environments, the fundamental goals of education in the American public school, English Language Learners, the relationship between school and a diverse society, the organization of school curricula, and characteristics of effective schools and instruction in grades P-12.
Educational Technology students will learn how to integrate instructional technology into P-12 cl... more Educational Technology students will learn how to integrate instructional technology into P-12 classrooms. Students will study a variety of software programs, presentation technology, telecommunication tools, and assistive technology. The focus will also be on social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology.
Teaching Profession with Field Experience includes an introductory, minimum 36 hours of school fi... more Teaching Profession with Field Experience includes an introductory, minimum 36 hours of school field experience in accredited P-12 classrooms that provide opportunities to observe and contribute to teaching and learning. This course allows preservice teachers to connect firsthand school experience with an emerging professional knowledge base. The course develops professional knowledge of diverse educational settings through observation, instruction, experience, and reflection. This course is designed to assist students in determining if a career in teaching is an appropriate goal. Requirements for teacher preparation and certification are reviewed.
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Selected Papers by Ana Cruz
Pessoa (1888–1935), of restlessness and uncertainty everywhere. Critical media literacy remains the only hope in order to develop an understanding of what is happening in the rapidly changing and evolving digitally networked society. It is through a robust critical media literacy education that we will be able to learn how media is transforming not only our social world but our inner world as well.
debate that is often steered by political considerations. The current flare-up regarding
teacher evaluation, teacher tenure, and ranking of national Teacher Education
Programs is just the most recent chapter in this saga. This chapter focuses on teacher
preparation -- on becoming a teacher -- stressing the importance of early integration
of critical pedagogy into the teacher education curriculum. Critical pedagogy
promises not only to contribute to a professionally more competent classroom
teacher but also to a more competent, democratically conscious citizen. A modern,
truly democratic society needs a vigilant citizenry to counter the current
streamlining of all aspects of society along neoliberal designs.
higher education and its imminent threat to substantive democracy is addressed. It emphasizes the importance of a (global) culture of questioning, kindled by critical pedagogy, to sustain democracy and accentuates Giroux's clarion call for a transnational collective agency involving academics as public intellectuals. How critical education can foster a consciously democratic citizenry is discussed. In addition to Giroux's focus on the U.S., Brazil and Spain are highlighted in an effort to expound the global implications of neoliberalirn while providing examples of educational initiatives that can counterbalance neoliberalism's threat to education and democracy.
Papers by Ana Cruz
College Courses Taught - Selected by Ana Cruz
Pessoa (1888–1935), of restlessness and uncertainty everywhere. Critical media literacy remains the only hope in order to develop an understanding of what is happening in the rapidly changing and evolving digitally networked society. It is through a robust critical media literacy education that we will be able to learn how media is transforming not only our social world but our inner world as well.
debate that is often steered by political considerations. The current flare-up regarding
teacher evaluation, teacher tenure, and ranking of national Teacher Education
Programs is just the most recent chapter in this saga. This chapter focuses on teacher
preparation -- on becoming a teacher -- stressing the importance of early integration
of critical pedagogy into the teacher education curriculum. Critical pedagogy
promises not only to contribute to a professionally more competent classroom
teacher but also to a more competent, democratically conscious citizen. A modern,
truly democratic society needs a vigilant citizenry to counter the current
streamlining of all aspects of society along neoliberal designs.
higher education and its imminent threat to substantive democracy is addressed. It emphasizes the importance of a (global) culture of questioning, kindled by critical pedagogy, to sustain democracy and accentuates Giroux's clarion call for a transnational collective agency involving academics as public intellectuals. How critical education can foster a consciously democratic citizenry is discussed. In addition to Giroux's focus on the U.S., Brazil and Spain are highlighted in an effort to expound the global implications of neoliberalirn while providing examples of educational initiatives that can counterbalance neoliberalism's threat to education and democracy.