4 Major Educational Philosophies Quiz

Educational Philosophies

• There are four main types of educational philosophies: Perennialism, Essentialism, Romanticism, and Progressivism.
• A mix of more than two philosophies is called Eclecticism.

Perennialism

• Values knowledge that transcends time and is a subject-centered philosophy.
• The goal of a perennialist educator is to teach students to think rationally and develop minds that can think critically.
• Aims to create a closely organized and well-disciplined environment, which develops in students a lifelong quest for the truth.
• Believes that education should epitomize a prepared effort to make great ideas available to students and guide their thought processes.
• Focuses on the importance of mastery of the content and development of reasoning skills.
• Skills are developed in a sequential manner.
• The teachers are the main actors on the stage.

Essentialism

• Also a subject-centered philosophy that advocates for teaching basic skills.
• Focuses on transmitting a series of progressively difficult topics and promoting students to the next level.
• Subjects are focused on the historical context of the material world and culture, and move sequentially to give a solid understanding of the present day.
• A typical day at an essentialist school might have seven periods, with students attending a different class each period.
• Teachers impart knowledge mainly through conducting lectures, and students are expected to take notes.
• Students continue with the same daily schedule for a semester or a year, and are promoted to the next level when they show sufficient competence.

Romanticism

• Believes in the natural goodness of humans, which is hindered by the urban life of civilization.
• Emphasizes emotional self-awareness as a necessary pre-condition to improving society and bettering the human condition.
• Focuses on differentiation, meeting the students' learning readiness needs.
• There is no set curricula, no formal classes and tests, and students decide what they want to learn.
• Sometimes, meetings are set-up with professionals of a field to give them insight into that topic.
• The five essential characteristics of romanticism are imagination, intuition, individuality, idealism, and inspiration.

Progressivism

• Believes that individuality, progress, and change are fundamental to one's education.
• Centers curricula on the needs, experiences, interests, and abilities of the students.
• Believes that people learn best from what they consider most relevant to their lives.