An introduction to critical pedagogy for all those working within
higher education.
Critical Pedagogy is an approach that is fundamentally democratic,
informal, non-hierarchical, determined by participants, privileges the
oppressed and their perspectives and is committed to action. Higher
education (HE), conversely, is often un-democratic, formal,
hierarchical, determined by tutors and national bodies, re-inscribes
existing privileges and is distant from lived experience. The book
starts from the premise that critical pedagogies are possible in HE,
while recognising the tensions to be ameliorated in trying to enact
them. It re-examines the concept and explores its practical application
at an institutional level, within the curriculum, within assessment,
through learning and teaching and in the spaces in-between.
The Critical Practice in Higher Education series provides a
scholarly and practical entry point for academics into key areas of
higher education practice. Each book in the series explores an
individual topic in depth, providing an overview in relation to current
thinking and practice, informed by recent research. The series will be
of interest to those engaged in the study of higher education, those
involved in leading learning and teaching or working in academic
development, and individuals seeking to explore particular topics of
professional interest. Through critical engagement, this series aims to
promote an expanded notion of being an academic - connecting research,
teaching, scholarship, community engagement and leadership - while
developing confidence and authority.
