The Banking Concept of Education

The Banking Concept of Education

Paolo Freire

Reading The Banking Concept of Education by, Paolo Freire, he infers the importance of how gaining knowledge and consciousness can be used as a form of overcoming oppression. Having the understanding of oppression then and truly then can one stand up, fighting for equal status among the powerful. Instead of living in a world of powerful vs. weak, knowledge gives people insight into how to change their current situation.

Freire uses the analogy of a banking system of education for understanding the traditional way of teaching. Freire states that students "turn (s) them into "containers," into "receptacles" to be "filled" by the teacher" (page 75, The Banking Concept of Education, Freire). Everyone has been taught in the traditional way of education. Students are just required to restate what was taught to them in various forms of examinations and essay's. In order for one to become "knowledgeable" in this system means having a passing grade. A form that can oppress individuals not benefited by the traditional teaching method.

A key term is "banking" that appears throughout the essay (page 75, The Banking Concept of Education, Friere). The reason I believe the central term is important is how students begin to turn robotic in nature. Teaching in this matter I believe you are just making carbon copies of students. Instead, nobody is truly able to think differently hence the cycle continues between the powerful vs. weak.

I enjoyed the article because it focuses on the tribulations of how having a traditional education can led to further separation from society as a whole. Individuals begin to become disconnected from learning by only benefiting a select few, dominating the minority. It focuses more on individuals in society not how the individual fits in with society. In order to disestablish domination of one group over another individuals need to begin to reflect upon themselves in order to transform society.

Challenging traditional education can be an overwhelming task. However, in order to bring justification to an unjust society you need to identify the problem, figuring out reasons by gaining knowledge. Beginning to understand and shape your place in society. Focusing on the beneficial effects of being truly knowledgeable one can never afflict change. The old saying is true that "knowledge is power," it's up to the individual what to do with the power.