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Perspective on Classroom Pedagogy An essential element of UP classroom pedagogy is teaching students to think critically, to question and challenge popular beliefs and practices. Whether it is myth or reality, UP students are regarded as critical thinkers, challenging established norms and traditions. The recent diatribe of Justice Secretary Gonzales against UP as anti administration, ingrates and “breeding ground” of destabilizers is a case in point. Alas, Secretary Gonzales suggests a pedagogy for UP that breeds a people docile to the powers that be, that embraces social norms without demur, who plays ball with power brokers, and knows which side one's toast is buttered. Is that the pedagogy that produced the likes of Sec. Gonzales? Critical pedagogy[1] should be ensconced in the UP System, not to breed radical ideologues but radicals for human rights, equality, freedom and justice. My Views on Teaching When I think of teaching I remember Dr. Nemenzo, Dodong to many. I had the opportunity of working with him when he was UPV Chancellor. He said that we should not just teach, but as professors we should profess. Merriam-Webster gives several definitions of the word profess[2], transitive verb 1. to receive formally into a religious community following a novitiate by acceptance of the required vows 2. a : to declare or admit openly or freely : AFFIRM b : to declare in words or appearances only : PRETEND, CLAIM 3. to confess one's faith in or allegiance to 4. a : to practice or claim to be versed in (a calling or profession ) b : to teach as a professor intransitive verb 5. to make a profession or avowal 6. obsolete : to profess friendship I agree with Dodong that we should not just be teachers but professors of our faith and values. This is the element that makes UP education rich and diverse.
[1] “a teaching approach which attempts to help students question and challenge domination, and the beliefs and practices that dominate” (Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_pedagogy). |
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Copyright © 2004 by
Pablo B. Española |
