Chapter 6 Educational Philosophy: The Intellectual Foundations of American Education Kauchak and Eggen, Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, 3rd Ed. © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Philosophy and Teacher Professionalism All professions have philosophical underpinnings. Educational philosophy is one important aspect of teacher’s professional knowledge. Theories attempt to describe phenomena in the physical world; philosophies, by contrast, involve the study of knowledge, truth, existence, and morality. Kauchak and Eggen, Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, 3rd Ed. © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Major Branches of Philosophy Epistemology examines questions of how we come to know what we know. Metaphysics, or ontology, considers the nature of reality. Axiology considers questions of values and ethics. Logic examines the processes of deriving valid conclusions from basic principles. Kauchak and Eggen, Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, 3rd Ed. © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Traditional Schools of Philosophy Idealism asserts that, since the world is constantly changing, ideas are the only reliable form of reality. Realism suggests that the features of the universe exist whether or not humans are there to perceive them. Pragmatism rejects the idea of absolute, unchanging truth, instead asserting that truth is “what works.” Existentialism suggests that humanity isn’t part of an orderly universe; instead, individuals create their own realities. Kauchak and Eggen, Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, 3rd Ed. © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Philosophy and Cultural Minorities The philosophies that we embrace are influenced by the cultures we live in. Western philosophy heavily emphasizes individualism and rational thought. Other world cultures place greater relative emphasis on the wisdom of elders, feelings and personal relationships, and harmony. Kauchak and Eggen, Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, 3rd Ed. © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Philosophies of Education Perennialism suggests that nature, including human nature, is constant. Essentialism emphasizes a critical core of knowledge and skills that all students should learn. Progressivism focuses on real-world problem solving and individual development. Postmodernism contends that many of the institutions in our society, including schools, are used by those in power to marginalize those who lack power. Kauchak and Eggen, Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, 3rd Ed. © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Standards and Essential Knowledge The current emphasis on standards is based largely on essentialism, the belief that there is a critical core of knowledge all students should master. Advocates of standards (and essentialism) believe that the major role of schools should be to ensure that all students master a core of knowledge. Critics of standards (and essentialism) respond that most crucial knowledge is learned through rote memorization, soon becoming forgotten or inert, and fails to influence students’ current or future lives. Kauchak and Eggen, Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, 3rd Ed. © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Developing Your Philosophy of Education Philosophy can guide practice and help you explain and defend your educational goals. The process of developing a philosophy begins with examining your own beliefs about teaching, learning, and students. An analysis of educational philosophies can assist teachers in forming their own personal, and probably eclectic, personal philosophy. Kauchak and Eggen, Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, 3rd Ed. © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Philosophies of Education in Urban Environments Because of the challenges involved in urban teaching, developing a coherent philosophy of education is even more important. Beliefs, both positive and negative, about urban learners can have profound influences on urban teachers and the way they teach. Kauchak and Eggen, Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional, 3rd Ed. © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.