Critical Pedagogy: Notes from the Real World

Joan Wink does a fantastic job explaining important aspects of teaching. Teachers, future teachers, and anyone with a passion for teaching will love this book. She gives remarkable insight about various teaching terms that are extremely important for all whom have a passion for teaching. She provides real life stories where some may relate to, some will learn from, and others will further grow from. I truly enjoy the style of the book. Not only is it easy reading, but it also seems as though one is talking with a friend. This book makes people think of past teachings and look further into more effective teaching techniques. She provides real stories such as, the Benson kids, whom taught her that not all children learn the same way. While reading the stories within the book I began to look at various teaching styles in a different light. While her main focus for the book is critical pedagogy she does not just give you one clear cut definition. She mentions in her book that she would rather you just learn it then memorize it. She mentions that critical pedagogy is about learning, relearning, and unlearning. It is also about being able to reflect and look beyond your lenses. Joan Wink also provides examples about how to use all this information in the classroom to be more effective teachers and learners. Critical Pedagogy: Notes from the Real World, gives terrific insight and provides all with a passion for teaching to rethink what they know and learn from it. I was assigned this book over the weekend and lets just say I was not very excited! I was very surprised to find the pages just seemed to fly by! Wink does a great job at breaking down each model of learning as well as making the information practical for future use. I also enjoyed the personal stories that Wink included in her book. These stories will draw readers in as well as give them a better understanding of what the author is expressing. JA

OK. I've read Freier. Giroux. McLaren. Vygotsky. Wink isn't a theory-hound like the above, but she puts their ideas into a most readable form. She illustrates important critical pedagogy concepts with real-world examples. If I was teaching multiculturalism/critical pedagogy to a class of students, I would make this book required reading.

For many years I have felt frustrated with the injustice and bias in the educational system. Reading this book helped me see that I can be an agent of change and that it is possible to help young people find a sense of agency as well. Based on the theories and practices of Paulo Freire and other educators, Wink shows readers that teaching and learning are political acts, and she inspires readers to change and be changed by the process.Wink combines great storytelling and clear examples to make the theories of critical pedagogy come alive. With chapters like "What in the World is It," and "How in the World Do You Do It" this book makes critical pedagogy understandable and accessible. A must read for all progressive educators.

In terms of scholarly research and analysis, Joan Wink's Critical Pedagogy: Notes from the REAL WORLD has been insightful and interesting. Why? Because Wink's account isn't pure scientific theory, it's a book that tells us something about ourselves. It tells us where we come from, what we've been through, and where we're going. More importantly, it tells us something about the people we are and the people we want to become. While I was reading this book, it struck me that the term `marginalize' is very real and evident in the world around us. To marginalize "is to place someone or something on the fringes, on the margins of power" Wink states. I am reminded of this on a daily basis as decisions are made impacting our lives, and children's lives. Joan Wink has taken many theoretical aspects of critical pedagogy and written about them in comprehensible language. As one reads through the vignettes, it will be sure to trigger ideas in every individual's experience. Wink's book demonstrates the reality that very complex intricate theoretical ideas which academic language often excludes understandable meaning as one trudges through definitions can indeed be fascinating. However, I do want to add a word of caution about this book. It's obvious that Wink idolizes the idea of education and giving equal access to all students, (and so do I), and is courageous enough to point out how hegemonic principles are manifested. Once you read it, you will be faced with examining your own prejudices and stereotypes. Beware, as it takes courage to name and change Not all folks are up to the challenge! I highly recommend this book. Wink keeps your attention from start to end, and I am looking forward to her next book. Great work!

Dr. Wink is not your typical academic writer. Critical Pedagody is an educational and entertaining read: for the teacher, adminstrator, researcher, and those interested in a broader world. Through her teaching and learning journey, we learn about powerful issues, terms, and philosophies. Her years of teaching and learning allow her to highlight her beliefs with often moving vingettes relating their presence or application in the "real world." These short stories make this book readable and enriching - an academic page turner.