Ep 14 - Dr. Mary Carol Combs - Pedagogy, Policy, and Polemics: A Dialogue on Language Activism in Arizona

Join us for an enlightening dialogue with Dr. Mary Carol Combs, a renowned professor from the University of Arizona, as we delve into the contentious issue of bilingual education in Arizona. The conversation navigates through the intricacies of structured English immersion, the critical role of language in economic development, and the paradox of policies advocating for bilingualism while restricting bilingual education. Listen in as we dissect the complexities of language policy, explore language activism, and contemplate the political clarity required by educators. Our discussion also centers around the potential repercussions for 'noisy' activists and the paradoxes in the conservative approach to education policy. Finally, we reflect on linguistic diversity's immense potential in shaping our collective moral understanding and creative capacities. A central theme of our conversation is the influence and relevance of the work of Paulo Freire, the renowned Brazilian educator and philosopher known for his influential work, 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

Books/Papers mentioned:

• "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire
• "Language Activism and Language Policy" by Mary Carol Combs and Susan Penfield.
• "Theatre of the Oppressed" by Augusto Boal

Topics Discussed

• The evolution and criticism of Structured English Immersion in Arizona
• The impact of language policy on economic development
• The counterintuitive benefits of instruction in a child's first language
• The paradox of advocating for bilingualism while restricting bilingual education
• The necessity of political clarity and awareness in teaching
• The tension between local knowledge and overarching policy in education
• The exploration of language activism and its implications
• The impact of conservative policy on educational practices
• The relationship between language diversity and moral understanding
• The practical implementation and challenges of bilingual education in schools

Further Info:

• Contact: [email protected]
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony
• Bookshop page: https://bookshop.org/shop/RevivingVirtue