Essentialism in Education PDF

**Peer Review help:** I would like to know if I explain essentialism very well. Did I provide enough information and support to back up my topics. Also, please let me know if there's any repetition or misspelling. Thank you! **LEARNING TARGETS:** 1. Define essentialism in educational philosophy....

**Peer Review help:** I would like to know if I explain essentialism very well. Did I provide enough information and support to back up my topics. Also, please let me know if there's any repetition or misspelling. Thank you! **LEARNING TARGETS:** 1. Define essentialism in educational philosophy. 2. Distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of essentialism. 3. Identify how teachers can apply essentialism in the classroom to foster foundational skills in core subjects. **WHAT IS ESSENTIALISM?** As society evolves with diverse multicultural dynamics, the school system has adapted alongside it. Since the Revolutionary period, the core knowledge and skills of American education have emphasized the importance of academic subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history. For instance, George Washington championed free public education, prioritizing the "science of government" as a core subject (Neal, 2012). This shift was motivated by the essential needs of American civilization following independence from British rule in 1776. In the 1930s, essentialism emerged as a response to the progressive education movement, largely influenced by John Dewey. Essentialism focuses on a core curriculum that every student needs to become a productive citizen. According to William Chandler Bagley (1934), essentialism relates to fundamental skills that our ancestors prioritized---such as hunting, fishing, and fighting---which prepared individuals to contribute effectively to society (p. 59). Bagley argued that while these skills may appear monotonous, they are fundamental for becoming productive citizens (Bagley, 1934, p. 96). Today, essentialism plays a significant role in education by emphasizing a core set of knowledge for all students. Teachers influence their students to develop skills necessary for their futures, taking on the responsibility of imparting essential knowledge. **WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ESSENTIALISM?** Throughout the years, while the complexity and diversity of our society have grown, the fundamentals of education remain consistent. Essentialism ensures that all students receive the foundational education necessary to thrive (Sahin, 2018, p. 193). Just as we learn to pronounce the alphabet before reading, we recognize numbers before counting. These core subjects are essential for developing critical thinking skills, enabling students to build cognitive abilities and prepare for future opportunities (Woolfolk, 2017, p. 34-36). Additionally, with its teacher-centered approach, essentialism fosters a structure and consistency that instills discipline, patriotism, civility, and order in students (Sahin, 2018, p. 197). However, essentialism can inadvertently lead to limitations and resistance within a culturally evolving society. As Cameron (1935) argued, a core curriculum may not adequately reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students, resulting in disengagement between the curriculum and their realities. The uniformity of core subjects fails to prepare students for their unique futures, promoting a one-size-fits-all model that can perpetuate inequities in education. Furthermore, essentialism may hold a fixed belief system that overlooks students from various religious backgrounds. For instance, while Darwinism presents a theory of evolution through natural selection, Creationism posits that life, and the universe were created by a Divine being. Essentialism\'s rigidity can limit students\' exposure to flexible learning environments that embrace this diversity. **HOW CAN TEACHERS APPLY ESSENTIALISM IN THE CLASSROOM?** Despite the existence of various educational philosophies, essentialist teachers play a vital role by providing strong, structured teaching methods that equip students with foundational knowledge and skills essential for their futures. An essentialist teacher creates a disciplined learning environment that emphasizes moral values and community cohesion. They can integrate traditional academic subjects while also promoting character development and cultural diversity. For example, a recent study illustrates how schools can incorporate lessons on the complexities of diversity to enhance societal understanding (Zagrean et al., 2024, pp. 2022-2023). This research explored how parental beliefs and school ethnic diversity shape adolescents' perspectives. Findings indicate that less exposure to school diversity correlates with stronger parental influence on individual beliefs (Zagrean et al., 2024, p. 2023). This demonstrates how a solid academic foundation is essential for preparing all students for their futures, helping them reach their full potential. **REFLECTION AND CONCLUSION:** In conclusion, essentialism offers a valuable framework for education that prioritizes core knowledge and skills essential for becoming productive citizens. While its strengths lie in promoting a structured and consistent curriculum, educators must also recognize and address its limitations. By balancing essentialist principles with an awareness of cultural diversity and individual learning needs, teachers can create a more inclusive classroom environment. This approach not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world. Ultimately, embracing the foundational tenets of essentialism while fostering flexibility and inclusivity will enable educators to better serve all students and equip them for success in their future endeavors. **HOW I USED AI:** - I utilized ODU database and Google Scholar to find sources that support my information. - I used Quilbot to check for spelling and grammar. - I used ChatGPT for brainstorming ideas of the advantage and disadvantage of essentialism. - I attempted to use mybib for citations, however, I think they are wrong. **Reference** Bagley, W. C. (1997). Education and emergent man: A Theory of Education with Particular Application to Public Education in the United States. *Thomas Newson and Sons*. doi: Cameron, E.H., (1935, April). Reviewed Work: Education and Emergent Man: A Theory of Education with Particular Application to Public Education in the Unites States by William Bagley. *The Journal of Educational Research. 28*(1-3). Doi: Hoy, A.W. (2017). Educational Psychology: Active Learning Edition. *Pearson Education Inc.* Neal, A.D. (2020, May 6). Giving George Washington his due. *American Council of Trustees and Alumni.* doi: Sahin, M. (2018). Essentialism in Philosophy, Psychology, Education, Social, and Scientific Scopes. *Journal of Innovation in Psychology, Education, and Didactics. 22*(194-204). Doi: Zagrean, I., Miklikowska, M.& Barni, D., (2024, May 22). Essentialism Facilities Anti-Immigrant Prejudice, Reduces Contract with Immigrants and Explains Parent-Child Similarity in Anti-Immigrant Prejudice. *Journal of Child and Family Studies. 33*(2012-2017). doi: