Philosophical Foundations 1 of 14

All Teachers have a Philosophy of Education For some it is systematic and conscious For most it is unstated and erratic For some it is systematic and conscious For most it is unstated and erratic 2 of 14

The Value of an Intentional Philosophy Understanding why responses differ Gaining control over responses and styles Increasing consistency of response 3 of 14

Branches of Philosophy Metaphysics: What is real? Epistemology: What is truth? Axiology: What is value? Logic: How to think clearly 4 of 14

Four Different Philosophies Their impact on educational practice 5 of 14

Perennialism Nature is constant Human nature is constant Intellect distinguishes man from beast Intellect discovers truth: constant and changeless Learn from the great ideas of the past 6 of 14

Progressivism Nature is ever changing Learn from problem-solving Education begins with the student Schools should be democratic 7 of 14

Essentialism The mind is the essential element of reality (idealism) The mind learns from physical world contact (realism) 8 of 14

Essentialism (cont.) Teach the essentials to live well in a modern world The child is a learner to be shaped and developed 9 of 14

Existentialism The child is free The child is who he/she chooses to be The child’s quest is for personal meaning Answers come from within, not from the outside 10 of 14

The Teacher passes on wisdom of the past- Perennialism teaches problem solving- Progressivism Essentialism : –teaches essential knowledge Existentialism : –helps child confront freedom 11 of 14

The Child Perennialism: –learns what is taught Progressivism: –naturally good, learns by doing 13 of 14

The Child (cont.) Essentialism: –listens and learns Existentialism: –is alone to discover meaning 14 of 14