Non-legitimized knowledge

Alberto Mudjadjo"

Given that education broadens horizons, transforms lives, and allows the development of critical thinking and morality, it is through knowledge that individuals drive their lives, direct their path, develop ethical values, and fully exercise their citizenship, understanding their rights and duties. School is an important institution that aids in social development, improving individuals' skills and competencies. In addition, it plays a fundamental role in the formation of knowledge, values, and behaviors. Therefore, it is difficult to say that educational institutions are the ones that legitimize knowledge, but it is true. Educational institutions, whether universities, secondary schools, or primary schools, play a fundamental role in the validation and dissemination of knowledge, and are therefore the ones that ensure the continuity of the culture and knowledge that the community has acquired over time. Nowadays, only UEM, Unirovuma, Unilúrio, etc., have the legitimacy to say that the knowledge that a certain individual has is equivalent to a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctorate. However, only those who attend formal schools have the opportunity to hold these titles. What can I say about my grandmother Assa Muianga, who did not have the opportunity to attend a formal school? Even so, I bow before her for the knowledge she transmits to me whenever we have the opportunity to talk about social dynamics, and sometimes above those who hold such university titles. To say that this legitimization of knowledge by universities cannot be absolute, because knowledge is a dynamic process that transcends the walls of the classroom and expands through various social and cultural interactions. Educational institutions also play a fundamental role in the creation of new knowledge and innovation, through research and the development of new technologies. Knowledge is not limited to what is transmitted within educational institutions. There is a vast world of practical, informal and cultural knowledge that is also valid and legitimized in different social contexts, since what is considered valid and legitimized in one educational institution may not be recognized in other social contexts. Knowledge and its legitimacy are constantly evolving, and educational institutions need to keep up with social and cultural changes to maintain the relevance of the knowledge they transmit. Educational institutions are a fundamental pillar of society, as they legitimize knowledge, disseminate it and contribute to individual and collective development. Therefore, it is important that educational institutions adapt to social and technological changes, seeking to offer a more inclusive, creative and relevant education for the future. However, they should not leave aside other knowledge that is not acquired in formal educational institutions. They should listen to this knowledge, taking into account and considering that the history of the African people is intrinsically linked to orality, much important information was passed down from generation to generation (a kind of relay race) through oral sources. Non-legitimized knowledge is important insofar as it plays a crucial role in the training and performance of teachers, as it can be: sources of knowledge and inspiration, because non-legitimized knowledge can be a source of knowledge for teachers, allowing them to reflect on their practice and adapt their teaching strategies to the needs of the student; tools for reflection and change, by identifying non-legitimized knowledge, teachers can become more reflective about their practice and seek changes that can improve the teaching-learning process; and also as a key to innovation, non-legitimized knowledge can be a source of innovation in the teaching-learning process, allowing teachers to create new teaching methods and strategies. The difference between non-legitimized knowledge and legitimized knowledge lies in the way in which knowledge is recognized and valued within the education system. Because legitimized knowledge is that which is formally recognized, such as disciplinary knowledge and curricular knowledge. On the other hand, non-legitimized knowledge is that which is not officially recognized, but which may be important for the teacher in his/her pedagogical practice, such as the ability to deal with different types of students, to create a classroom environment that is favorable to learning, or to use innovative pedagogical strategies.

2025/12/3