1. Educational Philosophy: The Intellectual Foundations of American Education

2. What is Philosophy?
The investigation of causes and laws underlying reality
Inquiry into the nature of things based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods
A system of values by which one lives

3. Educational Philosophy
A philosophy about education requires systematic, critical thinking about educational practice.
A teacher’s educational philosophy helps the educator interpret, find meaning, and direct the daily work of the classroom

4. Philosophy and Teacher Professionalism
All professions have philosophical underpinnings.
Educational philosophy is one important aspect of teacher’s professional knowledge.

5. Idealism Realism Pragmatism Existentialism
Traditional Schools of Philosophy Educational Philosophies have roots in these schools
Idealism
Asserts that because the physical world is always changing, ideas are the only reliable form of reality
Realism
The features of the universe exist whether or not a human being is there to perceive them.
Pragmatism
Rejects the idea of absolute, unchanging truth, instead asserting that truth is “what works”
Existentialism
humanity isn’t part of an orderly universe; rather individuals create their own realities.

6. 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.

7. Basic Philosophies of Education
Perennialism
Essentialism
Behaviorism
Progressivism
Existentialism
Postmodernism (Critical Theory)

8. Perennialism
One should teach things that one deems to be of everlasting importance to all people everywhere
An educational philosophy suggesting that nature, including human nature, is constant.
Roots in both Idealism and Realism
Rigorous intellectual curriculum for all students, classic works

9. Children should learn the traditional basic subjects and these should be learned thoroughly and rigorously.
Essentialism
An educational philosophy suggesting that a critical core of knowledge and skills exists that all people should possess
Roots in Idealism and Realism
Back to basics movements
Standards, testing, cultural literacy
What is essential can change

10. Behaviorism
Behaviorism is a theory of animal and human learning that only focuses on objectively observable behaviors and discounts mental activities. Behavior theorists define learning as nothing more than the acquisition of new behavior.
Used by teachers when they reward (reinforce) or punish behaviors

11. Progressivism
An educational philosophy emphasizing curricula that focus on real-world problem solving and individual development.
Roots in Pragmatism
Constructivism
John Dewey

12. Existentialism
A educational philosophy built on a viewpoint in which school curriculum and instruction should encourage deep personal reflection on one’s identity, commitments, and choices.
Focuses on the existence of the individual and individual responsibility
People are responsible for defining themselves through their choices
Education’s most important goal is to awaken human consciousness
Education should focus on both cognitive and affective dimensions

13. Postmodernism (Critical Theory)
An educational philosophy contending that many of the institutions in our society, including schools, are used by those in power to marginalize those who lack power.
Roots in Existentialism
History / Classics examined for power issues, struggles of marginalized groups
Criticized for using schools for political purposes

15. Practice Evaluate your own educational philosophy
Graphic organizer: What would a teacher say, think, and act?
Evaluate the educational philosophy of the following teachers:

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Where do you stand?
Urban students are much like all students; they want to learn, but they need some help and encouragement
Urban students don’t want to learn and they’re only in school because they’re required to be there
Urban students need caring and supportive teachers, as do all students
Urban students believe respecting and liking teachers is viewed as a sign of weakness
Working in an urban setting is much like working in any other school
Working in an urban setting is dangerous, and teachers must be vigilant to prevent possible personal harm
Homework is as important a part of instruction when working with urban students as it is with all students
There is little point in assigning homework to urban students, because they won’t do it

19. 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.

20. Reflection Paper #2: Your own philosophy of education
Develop your own philosophy of education based on your own educational experiences, a critical examination of your personal perceptions related to teaching, and information learned in class about educational philosophies
Be sure to include
Your perceptions of how education should be conducted
How that relates to the educational philosophies learned in class
Personal examples to illustrate each philosophical element