KATHY PHUONG NGUYEN

In The Pedagogy of The oppressed, Pablo Freire makes the argument about two types of

educational practices which he called “the banking concept” and “problem posing” education. In

my perspective, the banking concept really reflects many educational experiences that I had in

the past. Freire compares students as a bank account which teachers just keep depositing ideas

and knowledge. However, students keep passively receiving knowledge without questioning

or completely understanding the issues or problems underneath their lessons. I can relate this

concept to many college students who study the material passively. It’s not simply about learning

but it’s about the relationship between the oppressor and the oppressed. If college students

remain passive in their study, they will continue remaining ignorant for the world surrounding

Therefore, Freire asserts the concept of “problem posing” education which implies the

type of active learning. Students need to engage to their study by participating in class and

questioning professors. It’s not just a process of learning but it’s challenging the authority to

understand the ideas, issues or knowledge about the world. It’s the method to develop critical

thinking and engaging oneself to the process of inquiring knowledge. Knowledge is power.

Acquiring knowledge is not simply receiving but also questioning to understand the matter

better. In my opinion, this concept is not only for college education but also for life. As a citizen

in the world, one should engage himself to the world and to question about issues and matters

surrounding him. There are many unjust issues in the world that need us, young adults, to pose

question, to speak up and to show that we care. In the conclusion, I just want to assert that we

are not simply a bank account that only receives information passively but we are people with

critical mind to question any information that we receive.