The Banking of Education

The conceptual theory of "banking education" can be described as attributing modern education to that of a bank. In which students receive education and learning concepts by the teacher as deposits, but nothing more than that. Education can be seen as information that is stored, but not reflected toward. Coined by Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator and philosopher, In his essay, titled "Banking Education", Paulo describes modern education as being akin to a form of assimilation. In which students are not encouraged to critically think and should not take ownership upon what they are learning. This results in reinforcing principles of oppression. Paulo describes one solution to this issue with oppressive education through the Problem-posing solution to education in which students are given problems and must solve these problems on their own through the use of prior knowledge. This method would encourage critical thinking and reflection on the task that is being done. Which would likewise, result in an interest from the student to pursue higher educational gains. 

I believe that the concept of banking education is a very real problem in the modern educational system (especially in the West), and a problem that has yet to be resolved. There are others who would agree as well such as educator Gregory Cajete, a Native American (Tewa) and professor from Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. Dr. Gregory's lies in Native American studies and spreading cultural teachings in the classroom. A majority of his emphasis is on health and wellness. He would agree that the modern education system is a serious problem that needs to be addressed by incorporating more critical thinking in the classroom. Introducing new cultures is one way to address the problem of the modern educational system in America. By favoring cultural studies, we present an opportunity for students to think about themselves, their history and their identity and to take ownership of these concepts. While this may not apply so well in the math and sciences, it can be essential in the history and literature departments.