The Pedagogics of Language Learning Policy: Dussel, Decoloniality, and the Case of Pennsylvania

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Pedagogics of Language Learning Policy: Dussel, Decoloniality, and the Case of Pennsylvania
Language: English
Authors: Renée S. Burgos (ORCID 0000-0002-7477-0353), David I. Backer (ORCID 0000-0002-0871-8899)
Source: Journal of Education Policy. 2025 40(2):334-350.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: Educational Policy, Multilingualism, English Learners, Decolonization, State Policy, Bilingual Education, Elementary Secondary Education, Acculturation
Geographic Terms: Pennsylvania
DOI: 10.1080/02680939.2024.2446950
ISSN: 0268-0939
1464-5106
Abstract: Argentinian philosopher Enrique Dussel (1977, 1977/1985) is a foundational figure in the tradition of liberatory education and decoloniality, having written significant contributions to educational theory. However, existing decolonial analyses of language learning pedagogy and policy have not engaged with his writings, specifically those on pedagogics and liberation. In this paper, we argue that Dussel's notion of pedagogics provides a fresh framework for the critique and analysis of educational policy governing racialized multilinguals. We first consider the dehumanizing state of language education and policy. We then describe Dussel's contribution to critical policy analysis. Finally, we consider the case of Pennsylvania's language education policy in light of Dussel's ideas and make recommendations for a liberatory project of language education policy. This paper adds to scholarship that attempts to answer the question, What does liberatory education look like for multilingual students entering English dominant schools?, by focusing on the learner 'othered' within systems of oppression.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1469796
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Argentinian philosopher Enrique Dussel (1977, 1977/1985) is a foundational figure in the tradition of liberatory education and decoloniality, having written significant contributions to educational theory. However, existing decolonial analyses of language learning pedagogy and policy have not engaged with his writings, specifically those on pedagogics and liberation. In this paper, we argue that Dussel's notion of pedagogics provides a fresh framework for the critique and analysis of educational policy governing racialized multilinguals. We first consider the dehumanizing state of language education and policy. We then describe Dussel's contribution to critical policy analysis. Finally, we consider the case of Pennsylvania's language education policy in light of Dussel's ideas and make recommendations for a liberatory project of language education policy. This paper adds to scholarship that attempts to answer the question, What does liberatory education look like for multilingual students entering English dominant schools?, by focusing on the learner 'othered' within systems of oppression.
ISSN:0268-0939
1464-5106
DOI:10.1080/02680939.2024.2446950