"Educating" the Parrot: What Tagore's Parable Asks of Future Teachers

Dr. Manasi Thapliyal Navani from Ambedkar University Delhi explores how Rabindranath Tagore's satirical story "The Parrot's Training" can open up reflection for future teachers. In the tale, a bird is "educated" in a golden cage until it can no longer sing or fly. Read alongside Paulo Freire, the story raises the question of what education is for: serving the being of the learner or acting as an instrument. Her focus lies on early childhood and teacher education. Tune in to hear how a century-old parable invites us to question our own practice.

The parrot may be perfectly trained and yet no longer alive. What does that mean for how we prepare those who will teach?