Philosophical Perspectives: Teacher-Centered & Learner-Centered Approaches PDF

Philosophical Perspectives: Teacher-centered and Learner- centered Approaches.  Intended Learning Outcome At the end of the lesson, you are expected to: discuss the need to shift from teacher- centered teaching to learner-centered teaching based on philosophical foundations ...

Philosophical Perspectives: Teacher-centered and Learner- centered Approaches.  Intended Learning Outcome At the end of the lesson, you are expected to: discuss the need to shift from teacher- centered teaching to learner-centered teaching based on philosophical foundations  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Perennialism 1. focuses on the values associated with reason, on knowledge that is perennial – ideas which has endured through time and space. 2. considers knowledge as enduring, seeks everlasting truths, and views principles of existence as constant or unchanging. 3. the aim of education is to help students know and internalize ideas and values which are universal and lasting. 4. its goal is to teach students to think rationally and develop minds that can think critically. 5. favors a subject-matter-based curriculum where the students are incrementally taught the skills and inculcated with the disposition to appreciate the classics.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Perennialism 6. The teaching materials, learning activities, and pedagogy are not dependent on the students’ interests, but on what is necessary to enhance their intellectual capacity. 7. posits that the importance of certain works transcends time. Perennial works are those considered as important and applicable today as they were when they were written, and are often referred to as great books. 8. Also called “culturally conservative,” because it does not challenge gender stereotypes, incorporate multiculturalism, or expose and advocate technology.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Perennialism 9. Its classroom aims to be a closely organized and well- disciplined environment. 10. believed that education should epitomize a prepared effort to make these ideas available to students and to guide their thought processes toward the understanding and appreciation of the great works, works of literature written by history’s finest thinkers that transcend time and never become outdated. 11. The old adage “the more things change, the more they stay the same” summarizes their perspective on education and on learning.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Perennialism Core Principles of Perennialism ✓ Existence of the timeless ideas and truths. These truths transcends time and culture. ✓ Importance on the Great Books and classic literature. These are repositories of timeless wisdom and insights. ✓ Role of Reason. Reason is crucial in understanding the world and discovering truth. ✓ Importance of a Liberal Arts. It is needed for the development of a well-rounded individuals. ✓ The Need for Discipline and Structure: They believe that a rigorous curriculum is necessary for students to acquire a deep understanding of fundamental concepts.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Perennialism Core Principles of Perennialism ✓ The Focus on the Whole Person ✓ Teacher is the authority figure Role of the teacher in a Perennialist classroom ✓ Imparter of knowledge and wisdom ✓ Mentor and guide for students ✓ Model of intellectual and moral character ✓ Emphasis on discipline and rigor  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Perennialism Classroom Applications: ✓ Core Curriculum: Establish a core curriculum that focuses on fundamental subjects like mathematics, science, history, literature, and philosophy. ✓ Great Books: Incorporate classic texts from various historical periods and cultures into the curriculum. ✓ Socratic Method: Encourage critical thinking and discussion through guided questioning and debate. ✓ Lecture Method: Use lectures to introduce complex concepts and provide historical context.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Perennialism Classroom Applications: ✓ Independent Study: Assign students independent research projects on classic texts or topics related to the core curriculum. ✓ Essays and Research Papers: Evaluate students' understanding through written assignments that require critical thinking and analysis. ✓ Oral Presentations: Assess students' ability to communicate ideas effectively and engage in discussions. ✓ Debates: Promote critical thinking and argumentation skills through debates on controversial topics.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Perennialism Classroom Applications: ✓ Intellectual Stimulation: Create a classroom environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and a love of learning. ✓ Discipline and Structure: Establish clear expectations and rules to maintain a focused and productive learning environment. ✓ Respect for Diversity: Encourage respect for diverse perspectives and ideas.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 1. believes that there is a common set of skills and knowledge that educated people should have. 2. It focuses on respect for authority, developing sound habits of the mind, and training in fundamentals. 3. advocates training the mind and accented on the mastery of facts and concepts in order for the students to understand the surrounding physical world. 4. The curriculum is similar to the perennialists in being subject-centered. 5. Essentialist focus on transmitting a series of progressively difficult topics and promotion of students to the next level or grade.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 6. stresses core knowledge in reading, writing, math, science, history, foreign language, and technology. 7. tools include lecturing, memorization, repetition, practice, and assessment. 8. The essentialist teacher is an expert in his or her subject field and an exemplar of intellectual pursuit and moral character. Such a teacher is also able to maintain discipline, order and control in the classroom, and teach the subject in a systematic and coherent way, with a focus on the essential facts to be learnt.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 9. highlights the importance of the absorption and mastery of facts and skills, and the teacher’s role as a mental disciplinarian and moral leader (Ellis, Cogan & Howey, 1991). 10. William C. Bagley, one of the most influential advocates of essentialism, believed that education was not supposed to change society but to preserve it. 11. Key ideas of Essentialism: ❖ Focus on a core curriculum of basic skills and knowledge ❖ Emphasis on academic rigor and discipline ❖ Belief in the importance of cultural literacy ❖ Teacher is the authority figure  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 12.standardized tests or college entrance exams illustrate the concept of core knowledge. 13.Role of the teacher in an Essentialist classroom: ❖Imparter of knowledge and skills ❖Maintainer of discipline and order ❖Model of hard work and perseverance ❖Emphasis on high expectations for all students  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 14. Core Principles of Essentialism ❖ A Core Curriculum: Essentialism advocates for a core curriculum that is common to all students, regardless of their background or future aspirations. This core curriculum should focus on essential subjects like mathematics, science, history, literature, and foreign languages. ❖ Subject-Matter Mastery: Essentialists believe that students should strive for mastery of core subjects. This means developing a deep understanding of the content and being able to apply it in various contexts.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 14. Core Principles of Essentialism ❖ Rigorous Standards: Essentialism emphasizes the importance of high academic standards. Students should be challenged to reach their full potential through rigorous coursework and demanding assessments. ❖ Discipline and Structure: Essentialists believe that a disciplined and structured learning environment is essential for student success. This includes clear expectations, consistent routines, and a focus on academic achievement.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 14. Core Principles of Essentialism ❖ Teacher-Centered Instruction: Essentialism often emphasizes teacher-centered instruction, with the teacher acting as the primary source of knowledge and guidance. However, there is also a growing recognition of the importance of student-centered learning approaches. ❖ Preparation for the Future: Essentialists believe that education should prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. This includes equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in college, careers, and civic life.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 15. Classroom Applications: ❖ Mastery-Based Learning: Implement mastery-based learning approaches that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts before moving on to new material. ❖ Direct Instruction: Use direct instruction to present information clearly and efficiently. ❖ Guided Practice: Provide students with opportunities to practice new skills under the teacher's guidance.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 15. Classroom Applications: ❖ Independent Practice: Assign students independent practice to reinforce learning and develop problem- solving skills. ❖ Formative Assessment: Use formative assessment to monitor student progress and identify areas for improvement. ❖ Summative Assessment: Employ summative assessments to measure student achievement and mastery of core concepts.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Essentialism 15. Classroom Applications: ❖ Standardized Tests: Prepare students for standardized tests to assess their academic performance and compare them to national or state benchmarks. ❖ Discipline and Structure: Establish clear expectations and rules to maintain a focused and productive learning environment. ❖ High Expectations: Communicate high expectations for student achievement and provide support to help them reach their goals.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Behaviorism 1. focuses on observable behavior as a reaction to external stimuli, and believes that changing the environment can change misbehavior. 2. It is a “psychological theory and educational philosophy that holds that one’s behavior is determined by environment, not heredity” (Johnson et al., 110). 3. the classroom environment can have a large effect on how students will behave. The most effective environment is one that is organized. 4. reinforcement plays another important role, both positive (praise, privileges, good grades) and negative (reprimands, extra homework, low grades) reinforcers. The way a teacher reacts to the action of a student determines whether or not that student will repeat the action.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Behaviorism 5. learning is a process of conditioning, where responses are shaped by their consequences. 6. key figures in behaviorism: Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner. 7. Core Principles of Behaviorism: ▪ Stimulus-response: Behaviors are learned through associations between stimuli and responses. ▪ Reinforcement: Behaviors are strengthened by positive consequences. ▪ Punishment: Behaviors are weakened by negative consequences. ▪ Shaping: Behaviors are gradually modified through reinforcement.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Behaviorism 8. Classroom Applications: ❑ Classroom management: Using rewards and consequences to manage student behavior. ❑ Instructional design: Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. ❑ Assessment: Using observable behaviors to measure student learning. ❑ Positive reinforcement creates a conducive learning environment. NOTE: While behaviorism is often associated with teacher-centered approaches, it is important to acknowledge that modern applications of behaviorism can incorporate student-centered elements, such as providing choices and opportunities for student autonomy.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Positivism 1. emphasizes empirical evidence and scientific methods as the basis for knowledge. 2. believe in the existence of objective truths that can be discovered through observation and experimentation. 3. rejects intuition, matters of mind, essences, and inner causes. 4. relies on laws of matter and motion as valid, and bases truth on provable fact. It is also known as logical positivism. 5. rejects any information that cannot be formally measured. It “limits knowledge to statements of observable fact based on sense perceptions and the investigation of objective reality”.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Positivism 6. It is the teachers job to make sure directions are clear and students understand what and how they will be learning. Through repetition and practice with different media, students are expected to have a clear understanding of the topic studied. 7. Heavy focus is placed on testing students to ensure that all criteria have been met. 8. key figures: Auguste Comte and Immanuel Kant. 9. Core Principles: Empiricism: Knowledge is derived from sensory experience and observation. Objectivity: Truth is independent of personal beliefs or opinions.  Teacher-Centered Philosophies Positivism 9. Core Principles: Verification: Knowledge claims must be verifiable through empirical methods. Determinism: Events are caused by preceding events, following natural laws. 10. Classroom applications: Teacher as authority: The teacher is the primary source of knowledge and information. Standardized curriculum: A fixed, predetermined curriculum based on objective facts. Objective assessment: Emphasis on standardized tests and measurable outcomes. importance of factual accuracy and precision in teaching.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Progressivism 1. What is your ideal learning environment? 2. emphasizes learning through experience and real-world application. 3. believes in the child as a learner, focusing on their interests and needs. 4. believes that ideas should be tested by experimentation, and learning comes from finding answers from questions. 5. values the scientific method of teaching, allows individuals to have their own beliefs, and promotes the interaction of students as valuable to the learning process. 6. believes that education should focus on the whole child, rather than on the content or the teacher.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Progressivism 7. stresses that students should test ideas by active experimentation. Learning is rooted in the questions of learners that arise through experiencing the world. It is active, not passive. The learner is a problem solver and thinker who makes meaning through his or her individual experience in the physical and cultural context. 8. Core Principles of progressivism: ❑ Experiential learning: Learning through direct experience and hands-on activities. ❑ Child or learner-centered: Focusing on the individual needs and interests of the learner.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Progressivism 8. Principles of progressivism: ❑ Problem-solving: Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ❑ Democracy: Fostering cooperation, social responsibility, and democratic values. ❑ Relevance: Connecting learning to real-life experiences and the world around students. 9. Classroom Applications: ❖ Flexible learning spaces: Arrangement of the classroom to facilitate group work and exploration. ❖ Inquiry-based learning: Students investigate questions and seek answers through research.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Progressivism 9. Classroom Applications: ❖ Cooperative learning: Students work together to achieve common goals. ❖ Authentic assessment: Evaluating student learning through real-world tasks and projects. 10. put great emphasis on schools being social agencies to provide the skills and attitudes for students to participate in a democracy. Students, therefore, are expected to acquire communication skills, mathematical processes and scientific methods of inquiry rather than learning from a fixed curriculum.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Progressivism 11. The teacher is a facilitator and guide to help the students in their problem-solving; effective in using a repertoire of learning activities to get students to work on activities based on their shared experience (Ornstein & Levine, 2003); plans the curriculum based on the students’ interests and needs rather than on great works or classics, and creates a flexible, student-centered and creative learning environment with a stress on collaboration rather than competition. 12. Attention is given not only to the students’ academic learning, but to the holistic development of the whole child – emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually (Gutek, 2004). 13. teachers provide experiences so that students can learn by doing.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Progressivism 14. Curriculum content is derived from student interests and questions. 15. emphasis is on process-how one comes to know. 16. John Dewey was its foremost proponent. One of his tenets was that the school should improve the way of life of our citizens through experiencing freedom and democracy in schools. Shared decision making, planning of teachers with students, student-selected topics are all aspects. Books are tools, rather than authority.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Reconstructionism or Social Reconstructionism 1. prioritizes the role of education in addressing social issues and transforming society. While it emphasizes student involvement and critical thinking, its primary focus is on equipping students to become agents of change. promotes world social progress, focuses on world events, controversial issues, and developing a vision for a new better world. (societal-centered) 2. associated with pragmatism and essentialism and emphasizes the addressing of social questions and a quest to create a better society and worldwide democracy (aims to reconstruct society through education). 3. believes that students should be empowered to solve personal and social problems.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Reconstructionism or Social Reconstructionism 4. favors multicultural education, believing that students need to go beyond their inherited culture to construct a larger sense of identity and purpose. Thus, students are encouraged to be actively involved in community projects. 5. focuses on a curriculum that highlights social reform as the aim of education. 6. Theodore Brameld (1904-1987) was the founder of social reconstructionism, in reaction against the realities of World War II. He recognized the potential for either human annihilation through technology and human cruelty or the capacity to create a beneficent society using technology and human compassion. 7. George Counts (1889-1974) recognized that education was the means of preparing people for creating this new social order.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Reconstructionism or Social Reconstructionism 8. Core Principles of reconstructionism: ✓ Social change: Education should be used to address social problems and create a better society. ✓ Critical consciousness: Students should develop a critical awareness of social injustices. ✓ Student agency: Students should be empowered to take action and create change. ✓ Curriculum relevance: Curriculum should be focused on real-world issues and problems.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Reconstructionism or Social Reconstructionism 9. Classroom Applications: ✓ Project-based learning: Students investigate and address real-world problems. ✓ Service learning: Students engage in community service to understand social issues. ✓ Critical pedagogy: Teachers challenge students to question the status quo. ✓ Collaborative learning: Students work together to find solutions to social problems.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Constructivism 1. How do you learn something new? 2. emphasizes the learner's active role in constructing knowledge. 3. believes that learners build understanding through experiences and interactions with the environment. 4. emphasizes hands on learning and students actively participating in lessons. 5. believes that students should be able to discover lessons on their own through hands on activity because it is the most effective way of learning and is considered true learning. 6. Teachers are responsible for creating effective learning situations rather than constantly lecturing students.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Constructivism 7. encourages the development of critical thinking and the understanding of big ideas rather than the mastery of factual information. They believe that students will be more prepared for the ever-changing world if they learn how to develop critical thinking skills. 8. Core Principles of constructivism: Prior knowledge: Learners build new knowledge based on their existing understanding. Active learning: Learners construct knowledge through exploration and experimentation.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Constructivism 8. Core Principles of Constructivism: Social interaction: Learning is enhanced through collaboration and dialogue. Scaffolding: Teachers provide support to help learners build knowledge independently. 9. Classroom Applications: Inquiry-based learning: Students investigate questions and seek answers through exploration. Cooperative learning: Students work together to construct knowledge. Authentic assessment: Evaluating student learning through real-world tasks and projects. Flexible learning environments: Creating spaces that support exploration and collaboration.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Humanism 1. emphasizes the potential and worth of each individual. 2. believe in education as a means of personal growth and social responsibility. 3. focuses on enhancing ones innate goodness, rejects the idea of group-oriented education, and upholds the idea of enhancing individual development. 4. believes that students should be actively involved with their education on all levels, and students should be able to make choices about what they will be learning. 5. concerned with enhancing the innate goodness of the individual. Its focus is on individual development through a process of developing a free, self-actualizing person.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Humanism 6. Education should start with the individual and the choices made by the individual. The humanistic classroom is welcoming and caring. Students feel comfortable to share their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, fears, and aspirations with each other. 7. key figures in the humanist movement include Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. 8. Core Principles of Humanism: ▪ Individual worth: Each individual is unique and valuable. ▪ Self-actualization: Helping students reach their full potential. ▪ Student-centered learning: Focusing on the needs and interests of the learner.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Humanism 8. Core Principles of humanism: ▪ Critical thinking: Developing students' ability to think independently and creatively. ▪ Social responsibility: Fostering a sense of community and global citizenship. 9. Classroom applications: ▪ Supportive learning environment: Creating a safe and welcoming space for students. ▪ Authentic assessment: Evaluating student learning based on real-world performance. ▪ Choice and autonomy: Giving students opportunities to make decisions about their learning. ▪ Emphasis on relationships: Building strong relationships between teachers and students.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Existentialism 1. emphasizes individual freedom, choices, and the meaning of life. 2. believe in the uniqueness of each individual and the importance of self-discovery. 3. concerned with issues relating to one’s existence & rejects universal and absolute ideas and hold that reality is constructed by the individual. The knowledge that one needs to pursue is the knowledge about the human condition and the personal choices one makes (Ornstein & Levine, 2003). 4. schools should recognize that every student is a free, unique, and sentient being with personal fears, hopes and aspirations. Rather than dehumanizing them, schools should provide a broad education with many options for students to explore, reflect on and articulate their convictions.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Existentialism 4. The content and pedagogy is not dependent on the curriculum but on the interests, needs and preference of the students. 5. The existentialist teacher respects the individual freedom and choice of the student. Open-minded and reflective, the teacher creates a learning environment where both teachers and students are free to reflect, ask questions and engage in philosophical dialogue about issues and moral choices in life. 6. key figures: Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard. 7. Core Principles of Existentialism: Individual freedom: Individuals have the power to choose their own path. Authenticity: Being true to oneself and living genuinely.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Existentialism 7. Core Principles of Existentialism: Subjectivity: Each individual's experience is unique and valid. Responsibility: Individuals are responsible for their own choices and actions. Meaning creation: Individuals create meaning in their own lives. 8. Classroom Applications: Student-centered learning: Focusing on the individual needs and interests of the learner. Choice and autonomy: Giving students opportunities to make decisions about their learning.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Existentialism 8. Classroom Applications: Authentic assessment: Evaluating student learning based on personal growth and reflection. Emphasis on meaning-making: Helping students find purpose and significance in their education.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Romanticism Clarification of potential misconception: While Romanticism undoubtedly emphasizes individual experience, emotion, and intuition, it is more accurately categorized as a cultural and artistic movement rather than a formal educational philosophy.While there are overlaps between Romantic ideals and learner-centered approaches, Romanticism itself does not provide a comprehensive framework for education. However, we can explore how Romantic ideas can inspire learner-centered practices.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Romanticism 1. cultural and artistic movement that emphasized emotion, imagination, and individuality. 2. believed in the natural goodness of humans which is hindered by the urban life of civilization. 3. emphasizes emotional self-awareness as a necessary pre-condition to improving society and bettering the human condition. 4. believed that knowledge is gained through intuition rather than deduction. 5. focuses on differentiation - meeting the students learning readiness needs; with no set curricula, no formal classes and tests. Students decide what they want to learn and, in some cases, the students are expected to take the full responsibility of their learning.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Romanticism 6. essential characteristics: imagination, intuition, individuality, idealism, and inspiration. 7. Some stalwarts of romanticism are Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Maria Montessori. 8. Core Principles of Romanticism: o Emotion and intuition: Emphasizing feelings and instincts over reason. o Individuality: Celebrating the unique qualities of each person. o Imagination: Valuing creativity and originality. o Nature: Appreciating the beauty and power of the natural world. o Spirituality and transcendence: Seeking deeper meaning and connection.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Romanticism 9. Classroom Applications: ▪ Student-centered learning: Focusing on individual needs and interests. ▪ Creative expression: Encouraging students to use their imagination. ▪ Experiential learning: Connecting learning to real-world experiences and nature. ▪ Emotional intelligence: Developing students' ability to understand and manage emotions. ▪ Interdisciplinary learning: Exploring connections between different subjects.  Learner-Centered Philosophies Romanticism While Romanticism does not provide a fully developed educational philosophy, its emphasis on individual experience, emotion, and imagination can inspire innovative and engaging teaching practices.  References Ganly, Sarah. Educational Philosophies in the Classroom. Available at https://www.in.gov/gwc/files/ncteb-edphil.pdf Tan, C. et al. Critical Perspectives on Education. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305655612_Philosophical_perspectives _on_education Lynch, M. (2016). Philosophies of Education. Available at https://www.theedadvocate.org/philosophies-education-2-types-teacher- centered- philosophies/#:~:text=In%20teacher%2Dcentered%20philosophies%2C%20the,m astered%20the%20objectives%20they%20learned Educational Philosophies. Available at https://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP3.html https://degree.astate.edu/articles/k-12-education/philosophies-of-education.aspx https://cer.jhu.edu/files_ta/4_Major_Educational_Philosophies.pdf