Critical Pedagogy in Urban Schools

Critical Pedagogy and Popular Culture in an Urban Secondary English Classroom

            Critical pedagogy is an approach to education that focuses on discussion to embolden and empower students that come from adverse backgrounds, but the reality is that this approach to teaching can be valuable in really any setting. Certainly, students from adverse settings may have a harder run through schools that are disadvantaged and underfunded, but the reality of successful pedagogy is that it can be adapted to any setting. Other than the overall impression of critical pedagogy, two sentences really stood out through the article.

            “…it would be dishonest to promote a pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstrap approach within a structural context that facilitated academic underachievement.” This sentence stands out because of the implications in current society. Too often, certain areas, schools, and neighborhoods are referred to in a derogatory way; almost as though there is no chance of any success being born in this area. These teachers, advocates of critical pedagogy, are willing to teach in a manner that is likely to benefit their particular students. In order for this to truly work, their expectations must be high. They are saying that it would be unfair to students to try and teach them to rise above the limits society has set for them in an environment that allows for failure. In essence, this is a total dedication on the teacher’s part. Total dedication can be a benefit in any classroom.

            “…it would be unconscionable to allow students an excuse to fail.” This is another stigma attached to some schools that students there will fail, and then it can be used as an excuse for students to do just that. This is another sentiment of critical pedagogy that can be effective in every classroom in America. Students cannot be given an excuse to fail, as teachers we must work our hardest to not only teach students in the classroom, but also take the time to make sure that we are being successful in that endeavor. The reward for such unending work during the school year is summer break, but for 180 days, teachers should be 100% dedicated to helping students learn.