New Learning MOOC’s Updates

Popular education and class consciousness

I've dedicated over twenty years to teaching, and throughout this journey, my core belief has always been that education should be a liberating force, not just a transfer of information. This belief truly found its grounding during my time with the Baccarelli Institute. Working directly within that community was a profound experience that shaped my understanding of class consciousness and popular education in a way no theory ever could.

It became impossible to ignore the stark realities of educational inequality. We're not just talking about grades; we're talking about fundamental opportunities. While privileged students often have access to private tutors, enriching extracurriculars, and a home environment that supports learning, many of our students face a different battle. They contend with unreliable internet, the responsibility of contributing to the family income, and a constant lack of resources. Progressive education, for me, is about directly confronting these barriers. It's about building a classroom—whether physical or virtual—that is a democratic space, where learning starts from the students' lived experiences and critical thinking is the primary tool for empowerment.

My approach is to co-construct knowledge with my students, using their realities as a starting point for a curriculum that is not only academically rigorous but also socially relevant. This isn't a "one-size-fits-all" method; it's a commitment to seeing each student's context and potential. After two decades, my goal remains to use education as a means to not just build skills, but to foster the critical awareness and confidence needed to transform their own worlds.

  • Betty Jetawo
  • Betty Jetawo
  • Eugene Valencia