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

by Antonia Darder

This book serves as an important companion to Freire's seminal work, providing powerful insights into both a philosophically sound and politically inspired understanding of Freire's book, supporting application of his pedagogy in enacting emancipatory educational programs in the world today. Antonia Darder closely examines Freire's ideas as they are articulated in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, beginning with a historical discussion of Freire's life and a systematic discussion of the central philosophical traditions that informed his revolutionary ideas. She engages and explores Freire's fundamental themes and ideas, including the issues of humanization, the teacher/student relationship, reflection, dialogue, praxis, and his larger emancipatory vision. Questions are included throughout Chapter 3, Reading the Text Chapter-by-Chapter, to enable greater discussion of, and engagement with, the text itself. The book includes an incisive interview with Freire's widow, Ana Maria Araujo Freire. The bibliography offers invaluable support to those looking to read and study other works by Paulo Freire.

Genres: Nonfiction, Ebooks, Education, Teaching

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2018

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.