Escola e Democracia, Dermeval Saviani. Resenha.

Summary

In this video, the speaker reviews *Escola e Democracia* by Dermeval Saviani, a seminal work in Brazilian education theory. The book critiques traditional educational models, dividing them into two groups: non-critical theories that emphasize the school's role in overcoming societal marginalization, and critical theories that view education as a tool for reproducing inequalities. Saviani advocates for a critical pedagogy grounded in Marxist theory, promoting a transformative, democratic education that challenges societal inequalities. The work underscores the importance of education in fostering social change and presents the pedagogical approach of 'historical-critical education' as a pathway to a more just society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Saviani's *Escola e Democracia* is a seminal work in Brazilian education, focused on the relationship between school systems and democracy.
• 😀 The book is presented as a luxury commemorative edition, marking its cultural significance with special design details.
• 😀 The work has been influential in the education field, with over 36 editions published and continues to be a mandatory reading for education professionals.
• 😀 In the first chapter, Saviani divides educational theories into two antagonistic groups: non-critical theories and critical-reproductive theories.
• 😀 Non-critical theories, like traditional pedagogy, new pedagogy, and technical pedagogy, place the responsibility for overcoming societal marginality on the school system.
• 😀 Critical-reproductive theories argue that the school system perpetuates societal inequalities and highlight the role of the school as a tool of state ideology.
• 😀 In the second chapter, Saviani critiques the idea of merely 'correcting' the educational system, suggesting instead a more radical shift towards a true democratic education.
• 😀 Chapter three moves beyond merely 'straightening' the educational system and advocates for an alternative pedagogy that questions traditional methods and promotes systemic transformation.
• 😀 The final chapter presents 11 theses on education and politics, advocating for a critical and reflective approach to education, with a focus on social transformation.
• 😀 Saviani's pedagogy aligns with a Marxist perspective, challenging dominant educational frameworks and offering a transformative view of education as a tool for social change.
• 😀 The work underscores the need for a pedagogy committed to addressing social contradictions and inequalities, ensuring all students have access to scientifically rigorous knowledge, regardless of class background.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the book *Escola e Democracia* by Dermeval Saviani?

The central theme of *Escola e Democracia* is the critique of various educational theories and their relationship to societal structures, especially focusing on how the school system contributes to or challenges social inequalities. Saviani proposes a transformative, critical pedagogy that challenges repressive educational models and advocates for a more democratic and socially committed education.

What are the two main groups of educational theories discussed in the first chapter of *Escola e Democracia*?

In the first chapter, Saviani divides educational theories into two main groups: the non-critical theories and the critical-reproductive theories. Non-critical theories include traditional pedagogy, new pedagogy, and technicist pedagogy, which place responsibility for social issues, like marginality, on the school. The critical-reproductive theories, on the other hand, see the school as a tool for reproducing social inequalities and control.

What does Saviani mean by the concept of the 'curvature of the stick' in the second chapter?

The 'curvature of the stick' is a metaphor used by Saviani to discuss how educational reforms should not just correct the direction of education but go beyond that to fundamentally alter it. This is a call to move away from both traditional and new pedagogical models, aiming instead for a more radical transformation of education that better addresses societal issues.

How does Saviani differentiate between traditional and new pedagogies?

Saviani differentiates between traditional pedagogy, which focuses on learning through memorization and teacher-centered instruction, and new pedagogy, which emphasizes the development of learners' skills in a more holistic manner. However, he critiques both models for being part of a system that ultimately does not address the deeper social issues at play.

What is the role of the school according to the critical-reproductive theories?

According to critical-reproductive theories, the school serves as an ideological tool that perpetuates societal inequalities. It does so by reproducing cultural norms and ideologies that maintain the status quo, contributing to the social stratification by reinforcing class divisions, rather than challenging them.

What is the significance of the pedagogical approach 'historical-critical pedagogy' introduced by Saviani?

'Historical-critical pedagogy' is a Marxist-influenced educational approach introduced by Saviani, which focuses on education as a critical tool for social transformation. This approach critiques the notion of 'neutral' education and emphasizes the need to develop a critical consciousness that challenges existing power structures and social inequalities.

How does Saviani view the relationship between education and social change?

Saviani sees education as a key instrument for social change, but one that must be critically engaged with. Education should not merely transmit knowledge, but should enable students to question and challenge the inequalities and contradictions in society. The goal is to use education as a means to transform both individuals and society at large.

What does Saviani mean by the school as an 'ideological apparatus of the state'?

Saviani draws on the theory of the school as an 'ideological apparatus of the state,' a concept developed by theorists like Althusser. This refers to how schools are structured to promote the dominant ideological and economic interests of the state, perpetuating capitalist values and systems, often without explicit acknowledgment or critique.

What is the role of 'critical pedagogy' in Saviani’s framework?

In Saviani’s framework, 'critical pedagogy' plays a transformative role in the education system by challenging existing educational practices that are seen as reproducing social inequalities. It advocates for a pedagogy that engages students as active, critical participants in their learning, with the goal of promoting social justice and societal change.

How does Saviani's approach relate to the educational theories of Paulo Freire?

Saviani’s approach aligns with the educational theories of Paulo Freire in its commitment to a pedagogy that empowers students to critically engage with the world around them. Both scholars emphasize the need for education to foster social transformation, though Saviani's framework places more emphasis on historical materialism and Marxist theory in understanding the role of education in society.