Education for Humanization: Applying Paulo Freire's Pedagogy to Learning a Second Language

In this article, Tomas Graman shares his experiences of working with critical pedagogy in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). He argues that second-language learning can be both transformative and genuinely educative. By sharing his experiences of working with critical pedagogy in teaching ESL, Graman provides powerful insights into the constructive processes made possible when education is based on real human needs and concerns. Graman believes that the critical pedagogy of Paulo Freire, which is based upon a generative and empowering definition of learning, is particularly appropriate for learning a second language. The author concludes with a call for reconceptualizing education in general, and specifically second-language learning, as a humanizing activity.