Freirean cultural circles progress through investigation, thematization, and problematization

Evidence

Investigation Stage—In this stage words and themes are discovered from the participants daily lives. By spending time in the participants’ environment, the facilitator becomes familiar with what is important in their lives. This can happen “through informal meetings with the dwellers of the place in which the scheme will take place—living with them, sharing their worries, and getting a feeling for the elements of their culture.” (p. 22) … Thematization Stage—In the second stage of the culture circles, the themes that were uncovered in the investigation stage will be “contextualized” and a critical vision will be developed. Pictures and cards are created that will help with reading and writing. … Problematization Stage—The final stage is taking action or what Freire calls “transformative praxis”. According to Gadotti (1994), “Being able to read and write becomes an instrument of struggle, social and political activity” (p. 23). The cultural circle participant becomes aware of his/her oppression and takes action to overcome their oppression (conscientization). — James D. Kirylo (ed.), Reinventing Pedagogy of the Oppressed, 591

Categorization

• DEFINE: Sets out the three-phase structure of the cultural circle: investigation, thematization, problematization.
• XREF: connects to: Freire taught literacy using learners’ own words, not alphabet drills — James D. Kirylo (ed.), Reinventing Pedagogy of the Oppressed:…, 588; Freire intended cultural circles to vary fluidly by participants’ needs — James D. Kirylo (ed.), Reinventing Pedagogy of the Oppressed:…, 594; Critical questioning can replace test-driven memorization in cultural circles — James D. Kirylo (ed.), Reinventing Pedagogy of the Oppressed:…, 617 (+1 more)