We Make the Road by Walking: Conversations on Education and Social Change

We Make the Road by Walking, is the story of two leading critical pedagogues of the 20th century. The week-long conversation between Myles Horton and Paulo Freire captures key philosophical underpinnings that guide the two pedagogues work. Furthermore, the conversation is one of resiliency and persistence. That is, the book explores how both Freire and Horton continue to advocate their life work in the face of threats from their governments. As the two men reflect on their lives and life-works, they articulate that the main motive for their pedagogy was to create a more just and equitable society. Both men responded to the challenges of their day and leave readers searching for ways to apply their practical wisdom to contemporary times. Along the way, the reader learns ways to practice resiliency in pursuing social, economic, and political justice.

This is a valuable summary of the work of two giants in the field of education for social change. Myles Horton founded the Highlander Center in Tennessee, where legions of social activists were trained in political analysis and non-violent resistance--Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, to name but two of the most famous. Paulo Freire of Brazil developed a whole new form of teaching activism, from which Popular Education developed. Pop Ed, as it is affectionately called, has been used around the world to work with poor and oppressed peoples in analyzing their situation in order to work for change. The book is delightfully readable, and fills in many gaps about the lives and philosophy of these two world changers. A must read for anyone who is truly interested in education for change.

This book was recommended to me by a faculty member of the university where I work, and I have since recommended it to anyone in higher education or who have an interest in education for social change. Beautifully written and inspiring conversations between Freire and Horton. As an Adult Education graduate student, I have and will continue to use this book throughout my program and beyond.

Read if you are interested in the history of critical pedagogy, its roots in the life experiences of the poor and dispossessed, and/or the lives of these two amazing educators. A unique view in to Friere, Highlander, and the Citizenship Schools.

I have been an educator utilizing popular education as my guiding model since the 1970's, even before I formally knew about "popular education". Until we, educators,use a different model to teach our students will reflect the the current system that is designed to produce "sheeple", workers destined to enrich the powers that be that are destroying our planet and everything on it.

This book is particularly good for understanding the relationships between the organizer/facilitator and the grass roots community activists, for understanding what can be done during down times when social movements are least active, and for understanding the role of education in the transformation of society.

This book is a gem that I had no idea it existed until visiting the Highlander. Both Myles Horton and Paulo Freire offer wise insight into education for social change within the system and outside the existing system. Because they decided to "speak a book together" it reads like a conversation.

Interesting book!

a conversation in a book for non experts

Highly recommended to all educators!

'Twas good