1.2 Critical Pedagogy

It is important that educators come to understand theoretically how difference is constructed through various representations and practices that name, legitimate, marginalize, and exclude the cultural capital and voices of various groups in American society; similarly, a pedagogy of difference needs to address the important question of how the representations and practices of difference are actively learned, internalized, challenged, or transformed.
- Henry Giroux, 1989

This quote from Henry Giroux is one example of critical pedagogy. Throughout this module, you will be introduced to this field of study, as well as some of its key principles, themes and ideas.

Thinking about Difference

Within our classrooms there exists a diversity of identities and experiences. As educators, we must strive to acknowledge and understand how these identities and experiences contribute to the classroom environment. Accepting this diversity through a critical pedagogy of difference is essential to creating an inclusive classroom experience.

To help you think more about your students’ experiences, watch the following video created by Stanford’s student-run First-Generation and/or Low-Income Partnership (FLIP). The program called "What I Wish My Professor Knew" was created to help Stanford faculty understand how their classroom practices and statements could contribute to First-Generation and/or Low-Income students feeling alienated or welcomed at Stanford.

YouTube video: What I Wish My Professor Knew
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pmJNuxyvpA Links to an external site.

Take a moment now to reflect on the experiences you just heard about. Ask yourself the following:

Reflection Questions
	What do you think UBC students would say, if asked? What statements resonated with you? Why? How does this perspective on education impact your own teaching pedagogy and/or practice?