We Make The Road by Walking: Conversations on Education and Social Change [Paperback]

Myles Horton (Author), Paulo Freire (Author), Brenda Bell (Editor), John Gaventa (Editor), John Peters (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0877227756 | ISBN-13: 978-0877227755 | Publication Date: December 28, 1990

This dialogue between two of the most prominent thinkers on social change in the twentieth century was certainly a meeting of giants. Throughout their highly personal conversations recorded here, Horton and Freire discuss the nature of social change and empowerment and their individual literacy campaigns. The ideas of these men developed through two very different channels: Horton's, from the Highlander Center, a small, independent residential education center situated outside the formal schooling system and the state; Freire's, from within university and state-sponsored programs. Myles Horton, who died in January 1990, was a major figure in the civil rights movement and founder of the Highlander Folk School, later the highlander Research and Education Center. Paulo Freire, author of "Pedagogy of the Oppressed", established the Popular Culture Movement in Recife, Brazil's poorest region, and later was named head of the New National Literacy Campaign until a military coup forced his exile from Brazil. He has been active in educational development programs worldwide. For both men, real liberation is achieved through popular participation. The themes they discuss illuminate problems faced by educators and activists around the world who are concerned with linking participatory education to the practice of liberation and social change. How could two men, working in such different social spaces and times, arrive at similar ideas and methods? These conversations answer that question in rich detail and engaging anecdotes, and show that, underlying the philosophy of both, is the idea that theory emanates from practice and that knowledge grows from and is a reflection of social experience. Brenda Bell is administrator of a regional volunteer organization and a consultant and a member of the Advisory Board for the Center for Literacy Studies at the University of Tennessee. John Gaventa is Director of the Highlander Research and Education Center and Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Tennessee. He co-edited (with Barbara Ellen Smith and Alex Willingham) "Communities in Economic Crisis: Appalachia and the South" (Temple). John Peters is Professor of Adult Education at the University of Tennessee.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Horton, the recently deceased founder of the Highlander Folk School, and Freire, a Brazilian education leader, were from two different backgrounds, but their shared views on the use of participatory education in bringing about social change are the basis for this thought-provoking, beautifully presented book. Arranged in the form of a written conversation, it provides an intimate view of two men who based their work upon the belief that a good education required three basic elements: love for people, respect for people's abilities to shape their own lives, and the capacity to value others' experiences. This is a book to be read in one sitting, meditated upon, and returned to again for its quiet power and sustenance.
- Annelle R. Huggins, Memphis State Univ . Libs
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"We Make the Road by Walking is a book of compelling passion, politics, and hope. The dialogue between Horton and Freire opens up new insights into the meaning of pedagogy, social criticism, and collective struggle. This book offers hope by demonstrating in the voices and practices of two of the great educator-activists of the twentieth century the reason for making pedagogy practical and theoretical in the service of social justice."
—Professor Henry A. Giroux, Director, Center for Education and Cultural Studies, Miami University

"This book is an inspiration.... People interested in learning and social change will find in these pages hope, humor, passion, guidance, and humility. This final conversation between two educator from different continents reveals their common dream of human liberation, their common commitment to love and justice."
—Professor Ira Shor, College of Staten Island, CUNY

"The Myles Horton-Paulo Freire talks represent one of the most important educational conversations of the twentieth century.... This is the first book since Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed that I have said must be read."
—Budd L. Hall, Secretary-General, International Council for Adult Education

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Temple University Press (December 28, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877227756
• ISBN-13: 978-0877227755
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing book!, October 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: We Make The Road by Walking: Conversations on Education and Social Change (Paperback)

I agree with the last reader that this is one of the best books I have ever read. Horton (may he rest in peace) and Freire have been on the front lines of using education for social progress and change. They discuss their philosophies and principles about education, illustrated by powerful stories of their work over the years, in an informal, conversational style. It has made me totally rethink the way I approach teaching adult ESL students.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the greatest books I have ever read!, June 2, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We Make The Road by Walking: Conversations on Education and Social Change (Paperback)

There is no better book that combines education and social change than "We Make the Road By Walking". The dialog format truly lets the reader feel as though you are sitting next to Freire and Horton in a rocking chair at Highlander. This book is nothing short of a guide for all of us to shape the world we live in.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on education and social change, July 8, 2006

By 

H "Hank" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We Make The Road by Walking: Conversations on Education and Social Change (Paperback)

Just wanted to say ditto to the previous reviewers. Highly readable, engaging dialogue between the two great minds, a great introduction to their lives and thought. I give this book to friends as a gift probably half a dozen times a year it is that good. Trust me. Buy it. Read it. Go out and transform this world into one less ugly.