Learning Center

THE MODIFIED FREIREAN METHODOLOGY

Through active learner involvement and participation, the Non-Formal Education Division (NFED) of the Ministry of Education is using the Modified Freirean Methodology for literacy delivery which promotes literacy attainment. It is a learner centred literacy methodology which identifies learner’s huge potentials and provides a platform for their development. The Methodology in its original form evolved from a philosophy known as the ‘Philosophy of the Oppressed’ put forward by Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educationist and philosopher.

The NFED adapted the philosophy of Freire to the peculiarities of Ghana’s illiteracy challenge, downplaying the revolutionary tendencies to ensure acceptance. To facilitate standardization in facilitation and learning, Primers in each of the 15 languages were produced. Topics were localized to take care of the varied learning needs of learners.

Picture reading (visual literacy) and the identification of the keyword is drawn directly from the learners’ own experiences and ideas. In this learner-centred approach to learning, the instructor is only a facilitator of learning and action taking rather than a dispenser of wisdom and knowledge.

The Modified Freirean Methodology uses picture, discussions, generative themes and words as a starting point to learning and literacy skills acquisition. The key parts of a lesson are:

1. An Illustrated Theme or Picture
2. A Generative Word or Key Word
3. Syllables, Words, Sentences and Paragraphs
4. Reading and Writing
5. Numeracy
6. Action or Development Activity

Facilitating a Primer Lesson

The facilitator employs a step-by-step process using the Master Lesson Plan. The Plan is a general guideline or framework that clearly outlines the stages in the facilitating process. The facilitator is free to prepare his/her lesson notes in consultation with the Facilitator’s Manual and the Facilitator’s Guide. It has six stages namely:

1. Revision of Previous Knowledge or Session
2. Aims and Objectives of the Session
3. Discussion of the Picture
4. Action Taking/Development Activity
5. Reading and Writing
6. Numeracy