A Freirean approach to breaking the spiral of silence in AI-mediated education

Year 2026, Volume: 9 Issue: 1, 88 - 99, 31.01.2026

Hana Al-bannay

https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.1784305

Abstract

AI systems trained on biased media datasets perpetuate cultural misrepresentation and stereotypes, marginalizing minority students. This study aims to develop a framework for understanding how AI-mediated education marginalizes minority voices and to propose pedagogical strategies for disrupting this cycle and promoting equitable and inclusive learning environments. The research involves a three-phase critical analysis based on Edward Said's Orientalism, Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann's Spiral of Silence, and Paulo Freire's Critical Pedagogy. The synthesis reveals that AI perpetuates systemic cultural biases—such as Orientalist misrepresentation—and embeds them into educational technologies and curricula, identifying this cyclical process as an automated Spiral of Silence. A novel framework integrating Noelle-Neumann’s Spiral of Silence with Freire’s Critical Pedagogy provides a diagnostic mechanism and emancipatory guide for remodeling AI—from a tool that amplifies dominant narratives to one that fosters emancipation. It positions educators as innovators and transformative facilitators who can leverage Critical Pedagogy to challenge oppressive structures and amplify silenced voices. Proposed strategies include AI-supported dialogical engagement, deconstructing embedded biases, utilizing diverse platforms for comparative analysis, adhering to ethical guidelines, and practicing critical reflexivity. This preliminary model is designed to empower educators in order to cultivate equitable and inclusive learning environments.

Keywords

Spiral of Silence , AI-mediated education , Critical Pedagogy , Orientalism , global digitalization , algorithmic bias , Western hegemony , biased media , equity and inclusion.

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