Philosophy of Education Dr. Melissa Radeke EDU 5115 Foundations of American Education

Defining Philosophy the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group a discipline comprising as its core logic, aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology pursuit of wisdom a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means Epistemology is the study of knowledge

Philosophy of Education Based on core values and beliefs: culture, religion, family, education, political preferences, personal experiences. Guides decisions and actions: determining how you teach and what kind of teacher/school leader you are.

A philosophy of education is A statement of your beliefs about the purpose of education, how children and youth develop and learn, and what and how they should be taught. Quite personal A representation of who and what you are

Roots of Educational Philosophy Social Reconstructionism Progressivism Postmodernism Essentialism Behaviorism Perennialism Existentialism Pragmatism NeoThomism Realism Idealism

Educational Philosophy Classical Philosophy Educational Philosophy (Theories) Idealism Essentialism Behaviorism Realism Perennialism Neo-Thomism Reconstructionism Pragmatism Progressivism Postmodernism Existentialism

IDEALISM A school of philosophy that considers ideas to be the only true reality Is the belief that ultimate reality is not the world of things seen, but the world of ideas, which constitute the ideal pattern of what the world should be like. Plato’s eternal truths

REALISM A school of philosophy that holds that reality can be known through but is independent of the senses Aristotle sought truth not in ideas but in the real world. Empirical data are an important source of knowledge The purpose of education is to develop rational thinking.

PRAGMATISM A philosophy that maintains that the value and truth of ideas are tested by their practical consequences. Emphasizes practicality. Greek sophists “man is the measure of all things”. Truth and values are the result of changing and evolving human values.

Relationship Between Realism, Idealism, and Pragmatism Mind Nature Body Experience Problem solving with reason

EXISTENTIALISM A philosophy that emphasizes the necessity for individuals to determine the course and nature of their own lives. Focuses on the subjectivity of human experience and the importance of the individual. Proposes that meaning is determined by individuals, not by external criteria.

Philosophies of Education Perennialism Essentialism Progressivism Behaviorism Social Reconstructionism Postmodernism

The School of Perennialists The base of education is the common nature of man, wants to cultivate reason and develop children’s intellectual power Ends of education is absolute and universal Truth is absolute and universal The Liberal Arts and Sciences and Classical sources are fountains of truth Improvement of memory and thinking, intellectual development Emotions and feelings are excluded from education

The School of Essentialists Basic culture has a common core Cultural transmission to ensure social solidarity and the general welfare Basic education: reading, writing, counting, and computing Concentration on traditional instructional methods Schools are responsible for providing sound instruction and the authority to demand achievement Teachers must be liberally educated, morally sound persons Teachers must be technically skillful in directing the learning process

The School of Progressivism Places emphasis upon HOW to think rather than WHAT to think Gives the individual the necessary skills and tools with which to interact with a changing environment Builds around the personal and social experiences of the students Interdisciplinary curriculum in nature Uses scientific methods of inquiry and problem solving Indicates that the learner is capable of thinking and exploring their own needs and interests Sees the teacher as the guide for the student in his/her problem-solving activities and projects

The School of Existentialism Making own choices and rejecting authority that cannot justify its own existence Dualism of mind and body, emphasis on mind An independent physical universe exists, spiritual reality may or may not exist Tendency toward skepticism, a willingness to acknowledge the possibility of achieving truth Free to choose own moral standards Teachers do not moralize, establish number of rules, or humiliate or ridicule pupils Is also called a “Nonphilosophy” Its chief educational concern is to free the individual child “to do his or her own thing”

Social-Reconstructionism A philosophy that emphasizes the addressing of social questions and a quest to create a better society and worldwide democracy Systems must be changed to overcome oppression and improve human conditions. Education is the means of preparing people for creating a new social order. Curriculum highlights social reforms as the main of education. Curriculum focuses on student experience and taking social action on real problems, such as violence, hunger, international terrorism, inflation, and inequality. Strategies for dealing with controversial issues (particularly in social studies and literature), inquiry, dialog, and multiple perspectives are the focus. Community-based learning, bringing the world into the classroom are also strategies.