There are multiple educational philosophies that have shaped teaching and learning in various school settings in the past. Several of these philosophies and concomitant theories continue to influence educational practices today. It is important to explore educational philosophy to equip educators with understanding for future experience in a school setting and to discern how educational philosophy aligns with a biblical worldview for practical application.
By constructing a teaching tool for philosophy, based on examination of an assigned educational philosophy, you will discover educational aims as well as theoretical assumptions that are nestled within an educational philosophy. Furthermore, you will critically comprehend how viewpoints related to metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, and logic guide application of the philosophy in particular school settings. Finally, the teaching tool will assist you to analyze correspondence between personal beliefs and values and the assigned educational philosophy.
INSTRUCTIONS
You will choose a specific educational philosophy and become familiar with it. You must choose one of the seven designated educational philosophies listed below.
1. Behaviorism
2. Essentialism
3. Existentialism
4. Perennialism
5. Progressivism
6. Reconstructionism
7. Scholasticism
Before creating your teaching tool for philosophy, become familiar with your chosen educational philosophy by:
• Reading your textbook
• Visiting several websites on the topic
• Checking sources from the library
Suggestions for teaching tools:
• Create a handout
• Create a newsletter
• Create an outline
• Develop a glossary
• Develop a mnemonic device
• Develop a PowerPoint presentation
The teaching tool should consist of the following information:
• The name of your chosen educational philosophy.
• Provide a succinct definition of the chosen educational philosophy.
• Include a brief history related to the educational philosophy.
• Mention key individual/s associated with the educational philosophy.
• Analyze elements related to the educational philosophy (i.e. metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, and logic)
• Compare and contrast the educational philosophy with a biblical worldview based on the Judeo-Christian Bible.
Essentialism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of transmitting essential knowledge and skills to students. Essentialists believe that there is a core body of knowledge that all students should learn, regardless of their individual interests or abilities. They believe that this knowledge is essential for students to be successful in life.
Essentialism is based on the belief that there is a universal truth that can be discovered through reason and logic. Essentialists believe that the role of education is to help students discover this truth and to develop the skills they need to apply it to their lives.
Essentialist teachers focus on teaching the basics, such as reading, writing, and mathematics. They also emphasize the importance of discipline and hard work. They believe that students need to be challenged and that they need to be held accountable for their learning.
Essentialism has been criticized for being too rigid and for not taking into account the individual needs of students. However, essentialists argue that their approach is necessary to ensure that all students have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
Here are some of the key tenets of essentialism:
Essentialism has been influential in education for centuries. It was the dominant educational philosophy in the United States during the early 20th century, and it continues to be influential today.
Here are some of the notable figures who have been associated with essentialism:
Essentialism is a controversial educational philosophy, but it continues to be influential in education today. It is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of academic rigor and the transmission of essential knowledge and skills to students.