Philosophies of Education Part 2

History of Schooling

The history of formal schooling has evolved with the growth of human society.
Children were part of the labor force in farming and industrial societies, but child labor is prohibited in many countries in the information age.
Modern education began in the 15th century for religious reasons.
In the 19th century, education became politically motivated.
Schools became more common and compulsory in the 20th century.
The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco (founded in 859 A.D.) is the oldest continuously operating educational institution in the world, according to UNESCO.

Education & Philosophy

Philosophy helps us understand the purpose of education, the value of subjects, and the best teaching practices.
Key questions to consider from a philosophical perspective:
- What are schools for?
- What subjects are of value?
- What are the best objectives and learning activities?
- How should students learn content?
- What forms of assessments should we use?

Major Educational Philosophies

The major philosophies of education are Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism, Existentialism, Progressivism, Essentialism, Reconstructionism, and Existentialism.

Educational Philosophies Chart

The chart highlights the different perspectives of each philosophy on:
- Goal of Education
- Curriculum
- Teaching Methods
- Teacher Role
- Learner Role
- Evaluation

Main Educational Philosophies

Progressivism:
- Emphasizes hands-on learning and individual experience as the basis for knowledge.
- Focuses on teaching students how to think rather than what to think.
- Believes that education should be democratic and involve students in the learning process.
- Originated from Pragmatism.
Essentialism:
- Focused on intellectual training and achieving intellectual excellence.
- Emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge and traditional academic subjects.
- Based on Idealism and Realism.
- Aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for success in a complex world.
- Emerged as a response to Progressivism, which Essentialists believed failed to adequately prepare students for academic challenges.
Reconstructionism:
- Criticizes Progressivism for ignoring societal issues and not actively seeking change.
- Focuses on using education to transform society and address issues like poverty, racism, and sexism.
- Emphasizes the need to build a new society based on equality and social justice.
- Challenges power dynamics and examines the relationship between language, power, and knowledge.
Existentialism:
- Stresses individualism and self-fulfillment.
- Emphasizes personal responsibility and freedom of choice.
- Focuses on developing self-awareness and a conscious understanding of one's freedom.
- Individuals are responsible for their own choices and actions.
- Contrasts with Reconstructionism by prioritizing individual agency over societal transformation.

Curriculum

Progressivism:
- Curriculum emerges from individual experiences and needs.
- Emphasizes practical applications and real-world experiences.
Essentialism:
- Curriculum focuses on essential subjects with a strong emphasis on traditional academic disciplines.
- Emphasizes academic rigor and the transmission of cultural heritage.
Reconstructionism:
- Curriculum aims to foster critical thinking and social awareness.
- Includes studies related to social issues and challenges.
- Aims to equip students to become agents of social change.
Existentialism:
- Curriculum allows for individual exploration and self-discovery.
- Students have freedom to choose their learning paths and pursue their own interests.
- Focuses on authentic engagement with learning materials and experiences.

History of Formal Schooling

The history of formal schooling is closely tied to the evolution of human society, reflecting shifts from agrarian economies to industrial and information-based ones.

Education & Philosophy

There is a strong connection between education and philosophy.
Parkerson, Donald H., and Jo Ann Parkerson, "The American Teacher: Foundations of Education" highlights important aspects of schooling.
Philosophy provides frameworks for key question:
- What is the purpose of education?
- What subjects hold real value?
- Which learning objectives and activities are most effective?
- What are the most appropriate teaching methods?
- How should student learning be evaluated?

Main Educational Philosophies

The prominent educational philosophies are:
- Progressivism: A response to essentialism, emphasizing student-centered learning and experience-based education. Inspired by pragmatism.
- Essentialism: Based on idealism and realism, emphasizing the transmission of core knowledge and skills considered essential for successful functioning in society. A response to the perceived decline in intellectual achievement.
- Reconstructionism: Critiques both progressivism and essentialism for failing to address issues of social inequality and injustice. It advocates for using education to transform society and build a more just and equitable future.
- Existentialism: Highlights individual freedom and responsibility. Students are encouraged to actively define their own values and make choices, accepting the consequences of their decisions.

Goal of Education

Progressivism: To equip students with the ability to think critically and adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Essentialism: To impart essential knowledge and skills for success in a disciplined, rigorous manner.
Reconstructionism: To challenge the existing power dynamics and promote social change through education.
Existentialism: To foster individual self-discovery, self-actualization, and a conscious awareness of one's freedom and responsibility.

Curriculum

Progressivism: Flexible and adaptable to student interests and needs.
Essentialism: Structured and focused on core subjects and traditional academic disciplines.
Reconstructionism: Combines theoretical knowledge with practical action, emphasizing social justice and critical thinking.
Existentialism: Encourages students to explore their own interests and questions.

Teaching Methods

Progressivism: Emphasizes discovery learning, hands-on activities, and student-led projects.
Essentialism: Employs traditional methods, such as lectures, textbook study, and memorization.
Reconstructionism: Utilizes collaborative learning, problem-solving activities, and analysis of real-world issues.
Existentialism: Encourages student autonomy and self-directed learning.

Teacher Role

Progressivism: Acts as a facilitator and guide, fostering student exploration and creativity.
Essentialism: Serves as a content expert and authority figure, transmitting knowledge and enforcing discipline.
Reconstructionism: Challenges existing power structures and advocates for social change within and outside the classroom.
Existentialism: Provides support and encouragement for individual exploration and self-discovery.

Learner Role

Progressivism: Active participants in the learning process, taking an active role in shaping their own education.
Essentialism: Receptive learners, absorbing knowledge and developing skills based on established standards.
Reconstructionism: Critical thinkers and agents of social change, using knowledge to challenge and transform society.
Existentialism: Autonomous individuals, making their own choices and taking responsibility for their actions.

Evaluation

Progressivism: Emphasis on assessing student growth and progress, individualized portfolios, and project-based assessments.
Essentialism: Emphasis on standardized tests, objective assessments, and measuring student mastery of content.
Reconstructionism: Evaluation based on student contributions to social justice initiatives and their engagement with critical issues.
Existentialism: Emphasis on personal growth, self-reflection, and individual expression.