Philosophy: The ELVIS Model Viva Las Vegas… Gary J. Conti Mountain Plains Adult Education Conference March 1-4, 2009 Las Vegas

What is philosophy… §Set of assumptions §Fundamental questions about: l View of Knowledge l Nature of the Learner l Nature of the Curriculum l Role of the Teacher §No right or wrong approach §Different role for the teacher

Traditional View…

Alternative Approach: §What alternative approach would Elvis suggest to shake things up?

Alternative Approach: Shaking things up… §PHIL l Philosophies Held by Instructors of Lifelong- learners l Placement in philosophical school l Quick §Identify your educational beliefs

ELVIS Model… §Uses ELVIS memories l Enliven the philosophies l Help us remember the parts l What does Elvis have to tell us?

Historical Development… Time PeriodPhilosophy Greeks to Middle AgesIdealism Scientific RevolutionRealism Industrial RevolutionProgressivism Post World War IIHumanism Challenge Status QuoReconstructionism

ELVIS Model...  E : Emotional  L : Linkage of Individual and Society  V : Vision  I : Inquisitiveness  S : Scientific

Emotional: Humanism §According to Elvis, are emotions important? §What does Elvis have to tell us about perceptions?

Emotional: Humanism Individuals are always in transition §Focus on the individual §Constant need for choice §Aims l Self-understanding l Promote involvement in life l Develop commitment to choices §Instructional process: l Allow student options §Role of teacher l To explore possibilities l Facilitator

Linkage: Pragmatism §What skills exist among the members of the group? §What is Elvis telling us about the members of this group?

Linkage: Pragmatism Inquire then do what works best §Teach both liberal arts and vocational education §Centrality of human experience §Aims l Teach a process of inquiry l Promote democracy §Foster: l Personal Development l Betterment of Society §Instructional process l Individual differences l Problem solving and discovery §Role of teacher l Identify needs l Resource person

Vision: Reconstructionism §What is Elvis telling us about social responsibility?

Vision: Reconstructionism Education can be used in reconstructing society §Change rather than adjust §Holistic view of problems §Futuristic §Aims l Social activism l Encourage change agents §Instructional process l Develop decision-making abilities l Involve in social issues §Role of teacher l Question role of teacher l Engage learners in action projects

Inquisitiveness: Idealism §What is the structure of this song? §What is Elvis teaching us about reflection and critical thinking?

Inquisitiveness: Idealism Ideas are the only true reality §Ideas are enduring §Discovering vs creating knowledge §Aims l Search for truth l Character development l Develop critical thinkers §Role of teacher: §Guide immature learners §Instructional process: l Broad concepts vs specific skills l Socratic Method: Questioning

Scientific: Realism §What constitutes reality according to Elvis?

Scientific: Realism Reality exists independent of the human mind §Discover ideas by studying world §Aims l Understand world through inquiry l Verify ideas in world of experience §Instructional process l Teach fundamentals l Encourage specialization l Teach scientific method §Role of teacher l Present material systematically l Encourage use of objective criteria l Be effective and accountable

Basic Adult Learning Principles… CharacteristicDescription Learner’s Self- Concept Adults have a self-concept of being responsible for their own decisions and own lives. They are self-directed in their learning and may not respond well to competition. Experiences Adults enter a learning activity with a vast reservoir of experiences that can serve as a rich foundation for learning. Readiness to Learn Adults come ready to learn those things they need to know and need to do in order to cope effectively with real-life situations. They learn according to their social roles.

Orientation to Learning Adults are problem-centered in response to pressures they feel in their current life situation and have a perspective of immediacy of application toward most of their learning. Need to Know Adults need to know why they need to learn something before undertaking to learn it. Motivation While adults are responsive to some external motivators such as better jobs or higher salaries, the most potent motivators are internal pressures such as the desire to increase job satisfaction or self-esteem. Active Involvement Participation! Participation!! Participation!!! The fundamental principle of adult education.

Relating My Beliefs to Learning Principles… CharacteristicHow Implement in My Philosophy? Learner’s Self-Concept Experiences Readiness to Learn Orientation to Learning Need to Know Motivation Active Involvement

Summary Learning Principles... §Learner-Centered §Address Individual Differences §Through Experiences l Reflect on experiences l Give meaning to experiences §Built on: l Mutual respect l Self-direction l Responsibility l Trust

Why Emphasize Philosophy? §Understand yourself (metacognition) §Increased professionalism l Understand colleagues l Relate to colleagues §Present consistent face to students l Teaching style research l Promote learner self-direction

Bottom Line… §In education because of: l Dreams l Goals l Passion §When married with adult learning principles: l More effective l More professional §Activated with the ELVIS Model…

Excellent Books... §Elias, J. L., & Merriam, S. (2005). Philosophical foundations of adult education (3 rd Ed.). Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Co. §Ozmon, H. A., & Craver, S. M. (1981). Philosophical foundations of education (2 nd Ed.). Columbus, OH: Merrill Publishing Co.

Award-Winning Quilt… §By Linda D. Conti