LEARNER DEVELOPED MATERIALS - AN EMPOWERING PRODUCT

Freire used very specific materials in culture circles to support an e mpowering process that allowed learners to define the content and outc ome of their own learning. However, the materials themselves were care fully crafted and developed by Freire and his co-workers. This article focuses on an extension of Freire's problem-posing educational method s to include participant involvement in the development and production of their own learning materials. Four linked case examples, one in li teracy and three in health education, illustrate the process of partic ipatory materials development and we discuss some issues for facilitat ors and learners. The production process can be an empowering experien ce and the product stands as testimony to the participants as self-con scious agents and critical thinkers capable of transforming their worl d. The resultant materials, geared to a particular locale and reflecti ve of the people and language in the community, can provide a powerful model for those who may not have been involved in the process, but wh o can identify with the friends and neighbors who developed the materi als. Participatory materials development is suggested as a supplement to problem-posing educational experiences and is particularly well sui ted for community programs.