Through a Freirean lens: professional learning, faith-based schooling and liberatory education

Abstract

This paper draws on a broader qualitative study of professional learning in schools of the Peoples of the Book (Christians, Jews and Muslims) in post-colonial Australia, addressing the role that the growing number of Australian faith-based schools play in shaping a just and inclusive Australian society. By reviewing material in the public domain, we consider in their projection to the public the stated and implied commitment of six Australian faith-based schools of the Peoples of the Book to a transformative, liberatory education. Drawing on Habermas’ understanding of a religiously pluralistic democracy, we argue that faith-based schools should articulate their purpose and values to the wider secular society, recognizing that this task also calls upon the secular society to engage with the faith traditions, to strengthen mutual respect and tolerance. Although we find little consideration in the literature of the distinctive professional learning needs in faith-based schools, we examine Australian faith-based schooling through the thinking of Freire and the role of conscientization in transformative education. We argue that it is through the professional learning program of the school that critical awareness and indeed conscientization of teachers can be developed.