1) Freire describes the classroom as an oppressive place due to the power relationship that exists between that teacher and the student and the "banking" style in which knowledge is deposited from the teacher into the student. How can we as teachers promote a more free and creative learning environment while maintaining control in the classroom? Is it possible to achieve both? Is one more important than the other?
2) Consider both the affluent WASP culture alongside the oppressed urban demographic. Isn't it true that both groups are encouraged to become adept at the "banking" way of teaching that Freire describes? Is it true that the upper class is traditionally better at executing this form of education and making it work for them? This question is meant to make us consider how the "banking" type of learning is not only explicitly oppressive for the marginalized group but how it is also designed to perpetuate subconscious oppression within the dominant group.
3) On page 74 Freire discusses the perception of welfare recipients. Socially this group is viewed as on the margin and existing outside of profitable society...the "untouchables" of the American caste system. However, capitalism requires the existence of such a group in order for our economy to function efficiently. Let's discuss this point in class and talk about how this class is not on the margin but very much a part of our society and a product of our economy.
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