15 THEORY AND EDUCATION

AGENDA CHAPTER 15 Defining Theory Why Study Theory and Why Theorize Theory as Derivation Theory as a Response Theory Arising From Practice

Defining Theory The word theory is derived from the ancient Greek word theoria, which means the mental act of viewing, contemplating, or considering something. Theorizing can refer to the act of forming generalization – plans that we can replicate in varying situations – based on how something is done successfully in a given field such as medicine, law, or education. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Why Study Theory and Why Theorize Human beings find themselves in constantly changing situations or events. There is a uniqueness in each of these situations and circumstances. Effective action is based on good theory. Well intentioned but harmful actions are often manifestations of bad theory. Bad theories are at best ineffective and at worst harmful.. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Theory as Derivation Theories of education are often derived from ideologies such as Nationalism, Liberalism, Conservatism, Marxism and Liberation Pedagogy. For example, public schooling in the United States seeks to create a sense of American identity and citizenship in students. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Theory as a Response Theory also develops as a response to social, political, economic, and educational situations, issues, problems, and crises that range from local to national to global. Environmental education, which originated as response to a problem, can also be juxtaposed with other philosophies, ideologies, and educational theories and reformulated. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Theory Arising From Practice Many times, theory arises from practice. In this scenario, a practitioner in the field gains experience from dealing with a number of similar instances. For example, a pediatrician may have treated many ear infections in children and as a result can form generalizations about their cause and treatment. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

SUMMARY CHAPTER 15 Defining Theory Why Study Theory and Why Theorize Theory as Derivation Theory as a Response Theory Arising From Practice