Banking model of education

Definition

The banking model of education is a concept coined by Paulo Freire that describes a traditional approach to teaching where students are seen as passive recipients of knowledge, with teachers depositing information into them like money in a bank. This model emphasizes rote memorization and the transmission of facts rather than critical thinking or active engagement in the learning process. In this model, education is about conformity and obedience rather than fostering creativity and independent thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The banking model promotes a hierarchical relationship between teachers and students, where the teacher holds all the power and knowledge.
2. This model discourages questioning and critical analysis, leading to a lack of deep understanding and engagement from students.
3. Freire argued that the banking model perpetuates social inequalities by reinforcing oppressive systems rather than fostering liberation and transformation.
4. Alternatives to the banking model include methods that focus on dialogue, collaboration, and critical reflection, such as critical pedagogy.
5. The critique of the banking model has influenced educational reform movements aiming to create more participatory and student-centered learning environments.

Review Questions

• How does the banking model of education reflect a hierarchical relationship between teachers and students?
  • The banking model creates a clear power imbalance where teachers are viewed as the sole providers of knowledge while students are seen as passive recipients. This structure fosters a one-way transmission of information, discouraging students from engaging critically with the content or questioning the authority of their teachers. As a result, the educational experience becomes focused on compliance rather than meaningful learning.
• In what ways can critical pedagogy serve as an alternative to the banking model of education?
  • Critical pedagogy opposes the banking model by emphasizing dialogue, collaboration, and critical reflection among teachers and students. It encourages learners to actively engage with content, challenge societal norms, and take responsibility for their own learning processes. By fostering an environment where questioning is welcomed, critical pedagogy aims to empower students to become active participants in their education rather than passive recipients.
• Evaluate the implications of rejecting the banking model of education for transformative learning experiences.
  • Rejecting the banking model opens up pathways for transformative learning experiences by encouraging individuals to critically examine their beliefs and assumptions. When education moves away from rote memorization toward active engagement, it allows students to connect new knowledge with their personal experiences, leading to deeper understanding and shifts in perspective. This process not only fosters personal growth but also empowers learners to address societal issues, promoting social change through informed action.

Related terms

Critical Pedagogy: An educational movement that seeks to empower students by encouraging them to question and challenge societal norms and injustices, promoting critical thinking and active participation in their own learning.

Dialogical Method: A teaching approach that involves dialogue between teachers and students, encouraging collaboration, communication, and co-creation of knowledge rather than one-sided instruction.

Transformative Learning: A process in which individuals critically examine their beliefs and assumptions, leading to a fundamental change in perspective and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.