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,... 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.
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... 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.
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... 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.
‘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... 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.
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... 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).
