Pedagogical thoughts : education, critical literacy, and cultural identity in a democratic society.

Abstract

Diverse pedagogical thoughts competing within the cultural milieu of Thailand influence the processes of becoming and being literate. This article is organized around three assumptions. First, it argues that the current crisis of education is symptomatic of a broader crisis in the meaning and practice of democracy. Second, it analyzes the critical relationship between literacy and cultural identity in a multicultural, multiethnic society. Third, it calls for educators to rethink leadership vis-à-vis expanding and deepening cultural democracy. In short, critical literacy is a culturally defined construct; therefore, it follows that it should have close links to cultural identity.