Answer to Question #212871 in English for Gaskin

Question

1. Review at least three educational philosophies with a focus on educational goals, teaching methods, and curricula (subjects): 

• Reflect upon your own beliefs and practices and choose the philosophies to which you subscribe. 
• Explain why you subscribe to these philosophies.

Answer 1

Essentialism

Proponents of this philosophy believe that schools serve the purpose of promoting a uniform and shared knowledge through rigorous study of traditional “essential” academic content, generally taught through direct instruction. Such a philosophy manifests itself in the Common Core State Standards, standardized testing, reading literature generally thought of as “classics,” the “five paragraph essay,” and the study of traditional and departmentalized core subjects. Essentialism represents what has historically been considered to be the means of developing a well-rounded educated population.     

 

Perennialism

Proponents of this philosophy believe that schools serve the purpose of developing reasoning, and analytical and critical thinking skills through exposure to the world’s great thinkers such as philosophers, scientists, significant religious figures, artists, and others who have shaped civilization. Generally taught through a combination of direct instruction and oral and written discussion, perennialism has a goal of preparing students to contribute to the continuing intellectual and aesthetic development of humankind. Such a philosophy manifests itself to lengthy units of study, interdisciplinary curricula, and the development of “essential questions” to be examined over time.   

 

Progressivism

Proponents of this philosophy believe that schools serve the purpose of promoting social responsibility and democratic values, and of “humanizing” education by placing the needs and interests of the students at the forefront. In practice, this philosophy manifests itself through a combination of short lessons, hands-on activities, group work, project learning, service learning, empathy-building, and personalized support.  

 

Social Reconstructionism

Proponents of this philosophy believe that schools serve the purpose of preparing students to be critical analysts of global issues and problems and to become agents of change in order to improve the human condition. In practice, this philosophy manifests itself in reading, writing about, and discussing significant social issues, multicultural studies, community-based project learning, field studies, and efforts to bring the world into the classroom through programs and guest presenters.