The Student Guide to Freire's 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed'

by Antonia Darder

Now in its 2nd edition, this book serves as companion to Freire's seminal work, supporting the application of his pedagogy in enacting emancipatory educational programs in the world today. The new edition includes a new chapter called Teaching Pedagogy of the Oppressed with additional dialogue questions and activities designed to support students and instructors. It also includes an updated Bibliography and further reading list.

Antonia Darder closely examines Freire's ideas as they are articulated in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, beginning with a historical discussion of his life and a systematic discussion of the central philosophical traditions that informed his revolutionary ideas. Darder explores Freire's fundamental themes and ideas, including issues of humanization, teacher/student relationship, reflection, dialogue, praxis, and his larger emancipatory vision. The book also includes a chapter-by-chapter close reading of the text with sample questions to prompt discussion and engagement with Freire's ideas, as well as a new interview with Freire's widow, Ana Maria Araújo Freire, and a preface by Donaldo Macedo.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Teaching

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2024

Reviews

[Alisun Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepping to teach a critical pedagogy class, I came across this book. It's Antonia Darder so no surprise, it's amazing. The first half of the book provides the most accessible and comprehensive geneology of Freire's work, starting with "Lived History" (a single chapter, 25 page biography of Paulo Friere) and then a longer "Intellectual History" that traces the revolutionary thinkers and traditions that are the foundation of Pedagogy of the Oppressed. The 2nd half of the book is a chapter by chapter analysis of the main themes and key concepts (along with discussion questions).

This is no sparks notes. It is an analysis of the canonical text by one of the most respected scholars of Freire.

[An · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent study guide for Pedagogy of the Oppressed, without this guide I would not have cracked down a book like this.

[KT · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent good to Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" situating it in his upbringing, life experiences, intellectual influences and outlook on anti-imperialist struggles

[Antony Monir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty useful not gonna lie. 4/5

[Drick]

Dr. Antonia Darder has provided an invaluable resource for those who have been inspired, influenced and transformed by the life and writings of Paulo Freire. Though I have read Pedagogy of the Oppressed 3 or 4 times over the course of the last 30 years, and my copies are filled with markings and notes, this book has provided the often implicit intellectual and personal underpinnings of Freire's work in Pedagogy of the Oppressed and all of Freire's writings. I have been inspired to not only reread Pedagogy and other Freirean writings, but also some of the authors who influenced him.

Having said this, the interview with Freire's wife and widow, Nita, provides a helpful frame and counterbalance to the rest of this book. While paying tribute to the many intellectuals whose work shaped Freire's thought, Nita emphasizes Freire's own childhood experiences living in a poor neighborhood and interacting with the people in his community as having the most lasting impact. She also highlights that while Freire was intellectually brilliant, it was his intuition and "whole body learning" that made him the enduring influence he is today.

For those new to Freire, as well as those like myself who have studied him for years, I highly recommend this book as a helpful companion to the writings one of the greatest educators and revolutionary thinkers of our day.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antonia Darder does a great job of distilling the essential themes and tenets of Freire’s pedagogy and philosophy. She does without diminishing the heart of the work. This is augmented by Macedo’s forward and Freire’s own partner in love and praxis, Ana María. I think this will serve my students well.