Characteristics of Critical Pedagogy
- It encourages learners to critically analyze societal norms, power imbalances, and oppression through reflection. 
- It promotes active participation and dialogue rather than passive receipt of knowledge. 
- Learning is aimed at empowerment and social justice through both understanding and practical effort or action to create change. 
- The concept of "conscientização" (critical awareness) by Paulo Freire links reflection directly to action. 
Thus, the correct answer is that reflection combined with action forms a fundamental characteristic of critical pedagogy.