1. Chapter 8: Philosophical Foundations of Education in the United States

2. Focus Questions What is a philosophy of education?
What are the four branches of philosophy?
How do five prominent philosophies of education affect teaching and learning?
How do I begin to develop my personal philosophy of education?

3. What Is a Philosophy of Education?
We all have philosophies that guide our decisions, attitudes, and actions.
A teacher’s philosophy of education affects every decision about teaching.

4. Why Is a Philosophy of Education Important?
“Philosophy enters into every important decision about curriculum, teaching, instruction, and testing. The methods and materials a teacher chooses to use in a classroom reflects philosophy. In short, choices reflect philosophy—and whether we recognize our own philosophy in education, it is out there and it influences our behavior and attitudes in classrooms and schools.”
Allan Ornstein (2003)

5. Four Branches of Philosophy
Branch of Philosophy
Defining Questions
Metaphysics
What is Reality?
Does Life have a purpose?
Epistemology
What is truth?
How do we acquire knowledge?
Axiology
What is right, and what is wrong?
What is beauty?
Logic
What makes sense?
Is there a foundation for a particular argument?

6. Philosophy Trees
The discussion of each philosophy is accompanied by a diagram of a tree. The analogy of a philosophy of education to a tree is appropriate in many ways. The tree trunk represents teaching. The root system is a particular philosophy, or a combination of philosophies, of education providing the strength and foundation of the tree. The branches of the tree represent the work of teachers. Each trunk-attached branch supports smaller branches with plentiful leaves that represent student learning.

7. My Favorite Teachers’ Philosophical Bents
Teacher’s name
Role of teacher
Interactions with Students
Learning Environment
Curriculum
Instruction
Alignment with what philosopy?

8. Concluding Thoughts
Thoughtful teachers who are not necessarily swayed by gimmicks and fads, who have basic beliefs about teaching and learning that guide their practice, and who can articulate the bases for decisions are teachers who will positively affect student learning throughout their careers.