Chapter 6 PUTTING PHILOSPHY TO WORK IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE CLASSROOMS

In chapter 6, we will study how educational theorists are derived from diverse classical and contemporary perspectives. We will discuss how teacher put these theories into action in their classrooms. Each of us is guided by our philosophy whether we acknowledge it or not. Your personal philosophy of education will guide your classroom instruction.

What are the roles of philosophy? They include Helping us use analytical skills as part of our intellectual tools Presenting alternative ways of thinking about situations Affecting our perceptions of human behavior Teaching us how to communicate effectively as we strive to find solutions to problems great and small What are the roles of philosophy?

As you learn about differences in philosophical approaches, think about how you will begin to apply them to solve problems in your daily life. As you decide which philosophical approach (or combination of approaches) matches your outlook on life most closely, you can begin to use it to help you address problems in your classroom. Studying philosophy does not guarantee you will know how to solve all problems, but it does provide a constructive foundation from which to make decisions. No philosophical approach offers all the answers.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN How to begin to speak the language of philosophy The major schools of philosophy and how they relate to education How to begin to develop your personal philosophy of education How you will put educational philosophy into action How an understanding of cultural diversity affects the way you teach.

Let’s take a minute Read “Becoming a Teacher: To Test or Not To Test” on p Consider: What was each classroom teacher saying, For example, why would John be opposed to high stakes testing, and why would Maria express strong confidence in diversity as a platform on which learning can take place?

The Language of Philosophy The term philosophy comes from the Greek work meaning “ love of wisdom ”. Through the study of philosophy, we explore the meaning of reality and of life itself. The goal of philosophy is to describe the nature of reality within the limits and scope of our knowledge. Philosophy tries to help us see what we say and say what we see. It provides direction as we search for wisdom.

Schools of philosophy differ, but all are interested in three basic questions: 1. What is real? How do we know? 3. What do we value most? · How we answer these questions reveals our own philosophical approach. As educators, we are also involved in helping students find their own answers to the 3 basic questions. Keep them in mind as we explore major educational philosophies.

Central Concepts of Philosophy To help us understand individual schools of philosophy, we need to learn about some concepts that are central to all- namely: Metaphysics Epistemology Axiology

Metaphysics: What is real? Metaphysics is the aspect of philosophy that asks the questions, what is real? Things we sense Spiritual terms As a result of people’s social and physical interaction with the environment. As teachers, we continually define what is real to our students through the curriculum.

Epistemology: How do we know? Epistemology is the part of philosophy concerned with answering the question, how do we know? This question of examines the process of how we think, understand, and learn. Based on experience and observation. Sometimes simply “because” Some people believe knowledge is derived from reason or cognitive processes, while others require some sensory experience As educators, our belief in how students learn will guide our teaching methods.

Axiology: What is of value? Axiology is the part of philosophy that seeks to answer the question, what is of value? Those who study ethics are concerned with value as it relates to morality and conduct. (Cheating) Those who study aesthetics are concerned with value as it relates to beauty and goodness. (What is beautiful to you may not be to someone else) As teachers, we model our values every day.

Logic: How do we make decisions? Another philosophical concept is concerned with logic, the way we use reason to make decisions. There are two basic types of logical thinking – deductive and inductive. Deductive method of inquiry moves from general premises toward a specific conclusion. (Argument). Inductive method moves from specific observations or facts toward a general conclusion. Scientist uses the inductive method in observing phenomena and proposing a hypothesis to account for them. They test the hypothesis. They draw conclusions. FIGURE 6.1 IN BOOK

SCHOOLS OF PHILOSPHY Educational Philosophy

A. Classical European Philosophies 1. Idealism – Oldest organized philosophy in Western world, dating back to Plato and Socrates, Contends that the only true reality is ideas. Idealists believe that people should seek the truth because truth never changes (because the world is always changing). Idealists maintain that nothing exists except as ideas in human minds (or in the mind of God). Include: Plato, Socrates, Descartes, Berkeley, Hegel, Emerson, Thoreau, and Kant.

What is real? What is real only exists in the mind; the ongoing search for truth. How do we know? Idealists believe we are thinking beings capable of seeking truth through reasoning. What is of value? Values are religiously based (place less value on the physical and concrete). The value self-realization as a part of the whole person, not as an end in itself (interested in human growth).

Idealism in the classroom? · Had the greatest influence. · Idealists are concerned with the presentation of information to students. · Focuses on learning as holistic. · Want students to have a board understanding of the world · Curriculum revolves around broad concepts rather than specific ones. · An idealist teacher focuses on providing an environment where dialogue is the method of instruction (the search for truth).

2. Realism ·Dates back to the Greeks. · Realism contends there is a natural order to events and that this order exists whether we, as humans, are aware of it or not. Realists maintain that reality, knowledge, and values exist independently of our mind. Would a tree falling in the forest make noise if no one was there to hear it? The realist would answer yes; the noise is not dependent on our hearing it for it to occur. What is real? It is people that define “what is real”.

How do we know? Our ability to conceptualize is dependent on our abilities of perception and understanding. What is of value? Values are rationally based, derived from the natural, physical, and social laws that govern nature. In the classroom – · Critical reasoning · Scientific method Learning can be measured (competency, accountability, and performances)

B. Contemporary Philosophies 1. Pragmatism – developed in US · Believe that we must look at our experiences in terms of cognition, physical, and emotional development and examine how these interact with one another. · Scientific method is a major component in solving real life problems (concepts must be tested via experiences). a. Charles Pierce b. Williams James c. John Dewey

What is real? Pragmatists view reality as everything a person experiences, even though one’s experiences are forever changing. The truth lies in terms of its verifiability. Who do we know? “Knowing” comes from actively exploring and solving problems What is of value? Individuality is seen as the interplay between personal choice (freedom) and objective conditions. In the classroom – concerned with teaching students to solve problems using actual, real life situations in the classroom

1. Existentialism · Concerned with how experience, reality and purpose are pivotal within the lived experienced of a person. · Emphasis on individual and self- fulfillment. · Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre.

What is real? Believe that life has no meaning except what we ourselves give to our lives. How do we know? Focuses on the search for individual truth What is of value? Values are individual decision. In the classroom – · Creation of ideas relevant to each student. · Individuals are unique · We must first understand ourselves, then we are becoming

EDUCATIONAL THEORIES IN ACTION Educational theories put into philosophical approaches Perennialism – maintains that it is the rationality of humans that set us apart, and it is the cultivation of the intellect that is critical to our understanding of the truth. Essentialism – maintains that a common core of knowledge must be transmitted to students in a methodical and orderly manner. Progressivism – holds that education should address the whole person: the cognitive, social, physical, and moral aspects of the child. Social Reconstructionism – has 2 major premises: first, society is in constant need of change; Second 0 this social change involves the use of education.