Philosophical Foundations Foundations of Curriculum

Philosophy Study of wisdom (Love of wisdom) Philosophy fundamental question: Metaphysic - What is real? Epistemology - What is truth? Axiology - What is of value?

Philosophy and Curriculum “Philosophy is the beginning point in curriculum decision making and is the basis for all subsequent decisions regarding curriculum” – John Goodland As cited on page 31

Tyler’s view of philosophy in relationship to school purpose Suggestions from Subject Specialists Studies of Contemporary Life Studies of Learners School Purposes Use of Philosophy Use of Psychology of Learning

Major Philosophies Idealism Realism Pragmatism Existentialism

Idealism Highest aim is the search for truth and values that will stand the test of time Truth and values are seen as absolute, timeless, and universal

Idealism curriculum Curriculum is hierarchical. Concept and abstract subjects are the top subjects. (Philosophy, theology) Promotes abstract thinking (Mathematics is considered important because it cultivates the power to deal with abstract thinking) Language subject is important

Realism People can come to know the world through their senses and reason. Things happen according to purpose and in an orderly way (Natural law). Truth emanate from both science and art

Realism Curriculum Logic and lessons that exercise the mind and that cultivate rational thought are streessed. Three R’s (Reading, Writing, Arithmatics) Ethical, political, economic thought Has organized separate subjects curriculum. For example study of humankind experience becomes history subject.

Pragmatism Referred to as experimentalism, based on change, process, and relativity. Construes knowledge as a process in which reality is constantly changing Nothing can be viewed intelligently except in relation to a pattern Truth is no longer absolute or unversal

Pragmatism Curriculum Views teaching as more exploratory than explanatory Considers teaching and learning as process of reconstructing experience according to scientific method Focuses on problems solving

Existentialism Stress in individualism and personal self-fulfillment Prefer to free learner to choose what to study and determine what is truth Recognizes few standards, customs or tradition.

Existentialism Curriculum Consists of experiences and subjects that lend themselves to philosophical dialogue and acts of choice making: Literature, drama, filmaking, art, etc. Classroom would be rich in materials. Stresses self-expressive activities, experimentation, and methods and media. Focuses on learner’s feelings, emotions, and insights.

Educational Philosophies Perennialism Essentialism Progressivism Reconstructionism

Perennialism Philosophical Base: Realism Aim: To educate the rational person Knowledge: Focus on past and permanent studies. (Preserving the past knowledge) Role of teacher: Helps students to think rationally. Teacher is an authority in the field (Unquestionable) Teaching method: Socratic method, oral exposition (lecture), explicit teaching of traditional values

Perennialism Curriculum Classic subjects: Literature, language, mathematics, Constant curriculum (Unchanged) Common curriculum for all (Little room for electives and vocational) Students has no freedom to choose

Perennialism Curriculum Paideia proposal Liberal Arts

Essentialism Philosophical base: Realism and Idealism Aim: To promote intellectual growth and educate the competent person Knowledge: Essential skills, master of concepts, and principles Role of teacher: Authority in the field. Teaching method: explicit teaching of traditional values. Tough discipline.

Essentialism Curriculum Essential skills (Three R’s) Essential subjects: English, Science, history, math, foreign language Affected by the demand of the public to raise the academic standards and to improve students’ work and minds Subjects that have contents are emphasized rather than process

Essentialism Curriculum Back-to-basic curriculum Excellence in education Cultural literacy

Progressivism Philosophical base: Pragmatism Aim: To provide democratic, social living Knowledge: Growth and development, living learning process, focus on active and relevant learning Role of teacher: To guide Teaching method: Problem solving and scientific inquiry.

Progressivism Curriculum Curriculum should be based on student’s interests. Should be applicable for human affairs (solving problem). Interdisciplinary subject matter. Focus on activities and projects. Reality is changing therefore no need to focus on fixed body of knowledge. Process is more important than content

Progressivism Curriculum Relevant curriculum Humanistic education Radical school reform

Reconstructionism Philosophical base: Pragmatism Aim: To improve and reconstruct society. Education is for change and social reform Knowledge: Skills and subjects that identify problems of society. Active learning with focus of contemporary and future. Role of teacher: Agent of change and reform (Project director) Teaching method: Case study, involve students for social responsibilities. Neutrality is not an option. Social analysis, interpretation, and evaluation activities

Reconstructionism Curriculum Emphasis on social sciences and social research methods Examination of social, economic and political problem Focus on present and future as well as local and global issues

Reconstructionism Curriculum International education Equality of educational opportunity

Adventist Philosophy Philosophical base: Theism Aim: Restoration of man to God’s image Knowledge: Bible Values.To prepare responsible citizen for the world today and the world to come. Balance Education- Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Social (Wholistic Education) Role of teacher: Lead student for Christ Teaching method: Faith Integration, practical, living by example (modeling).

Adventist Curriculum Curriculum Focus: Salvation, Redemption. Subjects: Bible subjects in every program, health subject, vocational, work education, service learning, outreach.

Curriculum Trends Adventist curriculum trends? Health message Vegetarianism Sanitarium Academy (Boarding School) Isolated schools. Educational Excellence. Integration of Faith and Learning.