1. University of Huddersfield School of Education & Professional Development Educational philosophy. What is education? Why do you want to teach? Neil Denby

2. School of Education & Professional Development Key Questions … What are your core beliefs about the nature and purpose of education? How do these beliefs manifest themselves as values? What have been the beliefs and values of others?

3. School of Education & Professional Development Objectives … Explain and evaluate the values and attitudes of individuals towards education (schooling – schools) Provide examples of educational beliefs and attitudes – theorists Explain and exemplify the concept of reflection in practice.

4. School of Education & Professional Development Concepts and terminology Concepts Terms used to classify, interpret, describe, explain and evaluate e.g. education may be defined using instruction creativity etc. but not everyone will agree; authors therefore tend to stipulate what they mean by the conceptdescribestipulate Perspectives Set of concepts? Selected facts, values and assumptions are used to create a screen for viewing events

5. School of Education & Professional Development Concepts and terminology Theories and models Explanatory and often evaluative accounts Bundled related concepts Theories – coherent system of connected concepts Models – small bundle of concepts and their relationship to each other Theories/models may or may not be informed by research or experience Metaphors A way of describing one thing by reference to another Assumptions and ideologies Taken for granted System of beliefs, attitudes and opinions Poulson L. and Wallace M. (2004) Learning to read critically in teaching and learning, Sage.

6. School of Education & Professional Development What is education for? Intrinsically valuable Preparation for life Preparation for work Socialisation Indoctrination Diversity To create opportunity Or… … … … ?

7. School of Education & Professional Development Activities 20 mins - whole group discussion Definition of terms; what do we understand by… what do others understand by… 20 mins - small group discussion From the readings … outline the history of the philosophy of education; why has it changed; what are its problems? 60 minutes What do you believe is meant by education? What do others believe? How do these beliefs manifest themselves as values? How can you defend your viewpoint?

8. School of Education & Professional Development In school…. Examine the handbook/prospectus in your first placement school and try to identify the values/attitudes and beliefs about education it exemplifies …

9. School of Education & Professional Development Readings…. OHear A. (2005) History of the philosophy of education in The Oxford Companion to philosophy (2nd edition) Honderich T. (ed) OUP: Oxford pp 228-231. oPlato-Republic – to educate people to bring about a just society – child farming […] …turning towards what is good… (p.228) […] …educators will notice that some youths are suited by temperament … oAuthoritarian or child-centred (p.229) oFrancis Bacon – truth about nature would be manifest to the individual oLocke – moral aspects of education oRousseau – Emile (1762) –child-centredness – learning by doing oDewey – childs social experience

10. School of Education & Professional Development Readings… White J. (2005) Problems of the philosophy of education in The Oxford Companion to philosophy (2nd edition) Honderich T (ed) OUP: Oxford pp231-234. oHirstian liberal education – logical forms of knowledge - logical patterns of reasoning e.g. mathematics, history physical sciences – each with own unique concepts and truth… oEducational aims in liberal society – liberal democratic society – creating autonomy; what is personal well being oEducation and politics – Education for Work Society or Activity Society; Concept of Citizenship … oChildrens minds and learning – child development