Subaltern-centred Pedagogy: Field Notes and Reflections from Tunisia

Abstract

Abstract This essay responds to the challenge of deconstructing the concept of democracy and decolonizing knowledge production. The authors, educators in secondary and higher education, grapple with the pedagogical dilemma of how to re-tell the stories of the marginalized and silenced ‘others’ in their classrooms. They explore the concept of ‘subalternity’ as a decolonial critique and a methodological perspective, with the aim of shifting the epistemic location of narratives about migration. This essay proposes a radical change in educational approaches, urging practitioners to listen to the subaltern rather than speaking for them, and to adopt a ‘subaltern-centered pedagogy’ (Reed 2013) to counter hegemonic and dehumanizing narratives about migration. By doing so, this reflective essay emphasizes the role of educators in fostering critical thinking and awareness about positionality. Before concluding, the authors call for a bold epistemic intervention in education systems, aiming to leave a lasting impact on pedagogical practices. They propose a process of unlearning through critical reflexivity to deconstruct Eurocentric and nationalist narratives, ultimately empowering students to become global citizens in a globalized world.