Challenging the Wikipedia Mentality: Encouraging Original Inquiry Through Freire's Problem-Posing Method

Authors

  • Kellie L. Deys Nichols College Author
  • James L. Deys Nichols College Author

Abstract

For most millennials, information has always been a couple of quick taps away. Sites have seemingly always existed to provide them with "the answer." Instructors must recognize that not only are they teaching material from their disciplines, but also they are trying to teach the skill and value of critical inquiry. Adopting a Freirean approach, the authors challenge students to move beyond simply accumulating information. The essence of the activity is to contrast a Wikipedia approach with one of original inquiry. Through this exercise, students learn to interpret information and question a consumptive-based approach to ideas and technology, recognize the value of brainstorming a topic before seeking outside information, refocus research towards the generation of ideas, and value collaborative thinking and interaction with peers during the analytical and research process.

Published

2024-04-25