Humanisation, generativity and acculturation in the secondary school : a guidance and counselling perspective

Abstract

The primary goal of this study is to investigate how relevant a pedagogical and counselling approach inspired by the work of Paulo Freire is to the experiences and understandings of the young people who attend a secondary school in Dublin. Specifically, the aims were i) to generate a Freirean based theory to guide thinking and practice in teaching and counselling; and ii) to apply the knowledge gained to formulate ideas about an ethical and philosophical grounding and language for understanding the broader aims of education. An extensive literature review of cultural, historical and social contexts of the study and of the life and work of Paulo Freire was undertaken to generate key ideas for practice in the tradition of Freirean pedagogy. Insights elicited from the work of Erik H. Erikson provided an identity based psychosocial and developmental perspective which relates favourably with Freire’s key concepts.