Ongoing Education and the Freirean Thematic Approach: Navigating Their Interconnections

The article “Ongoing Education and the Freirean Thematic Approach: Navigating Their Interconnections”, authored by Josiane Marques da Silva and Cristiane Muenchen and published in Revista Espirales (v.9, 2025), revisits Freirean pedagogy through a less explored lens: that of the interconnections between curriculum and teacher education. The research analyzes theses and dissertations addressing the thematic approach and demonstrates how the concept of ongoing education (or continuing professional development) is intrinsically intertwined with educational practice.

A compelling finding of the study is the affirmation that the Freirean Thematic Approach (FTA) is not limited merely to content selection but, rather, redefines the very notion of teaching. By analyzing 33 academic works produced between 1997 and 2023, the authors identified that the stage of searching for the generative theme is, in itself, a space for teacher professional development. For Josiane and Cristiane, this is a process that involves listening, dialogue, and critical reflection on the world.

The article further substantiates that ongoing education occurs within daily practice, as the educator realizes that teaching is a process of renewed learning. Moving beyond pre-packaged methodologies, the study shows that Freirean pedagogy remains relevant precisely because it provokes inquiry, opens pathways, and transforms the educational act into an exercise of freedom.

Link to read the full article: LA  FORMACIÓN PERMANENTE Y EL ENFOQUE TEMÁTICO FREIREIANO:  LA NAVEGACIÓN DE SUS ENTRELAZAMIENTOS | Revista Espirales