Current Webinars
Conventional pedagogical approaches inadvertently perpetuate coloniality and dominant narratives (Freire, 1993[1970]; Hooks, 2003), and the field of occupational therapy is no exception. In this webinar session, we’ll delve into the transformative potential of the “Mountain of Knowledge” metaphor, a dynamic tool for fostering inclusivity, collaboration, amplifying marginalized voices within the classroom and empowering students to challenge dominant narratives within the profession. Underpinned by critical, anti-colonial and dialogic pedagogy (Freire, 1993[1970]; Freire & Shor,1987; Bakhtin, 1991), we will discuss how this metaphor promotes critical consciousness, cultural competence, and empathy among students (Kumagai &Lypson,2009, Lather, 1991), as well as learn practical strategies for its implementation in occupational therapy and occupational science education.
References:
Bakhtin, M. M. (1991). Dialogic imagination: Four essays by M. M. Bakhtin (C. Emerson & M. Holquist, Trans.). Austin, TX: University of Texas Press.
Freire, P. (1993 [1970]) Pedagogy of the Oppressed (trans. M.B. Ramos; revised edn). New York: Continuum
Freire, P. and Shor, I. (1987) A Pedagogy for Liberation: Dialogues on Transforming Education. Westport, CT: Bergin & Garvey
Hooks, B. (2003). Teaching community: A pedagogy of hope. Routledge. Kumagai, A. K., & Lypson, M. L. (2009). Beyond cultural competence: critical consciousness, social justice, and multicultural education. Academic medicine, 84(6), 782-787.
Lather, P. (1991). Getting smart: Feminist research and pedagogy within/in the postmodern. Routledge.
Author Bio:
Eric Nkansah Opoku is a lecturer of Occupational Therapy within the Department of Occupational Therapy, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Glasgow Caledonian University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy education with the University of Ghana, and his Master of Occupational Therapy education with Stellenbosch University in South Africa. His line of scholarship and research is directly related to health professional education and practice, Play occupations among children with disabilities and telerehabilitation of adults with neurological conditions. Eric also has research interest in cultural sensitivity and anti-coloniality in the context of occupational therapy education and practice. Eric teaches and supervises students’ research at masters and undergraduate levels.