Understanding the 7 Philosophies of Education: A Comprehensive Guide
As an educator or a student of education, it’s essential to understand the seven philosophies of education. These philosophies provide a framework for understanding and synthesizing different theories of education. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at each of these seven philosophies of education and understand how they are implemented in the educational system.
1. Essentialism Philosophy
The first philosophy of education is essentialism. This philosophy emphasizes the essential knowledge that every student should acquire, regardless of their background or interests. The essentialist’s approach to education is to teach the foundational skills that are important to all students, such as reading, writing, and math. The curriculum in an essentialist classroom is often designed to focus on core subjects and essential skills.
2. Perennialism Philosophy
The second philosophy of education is perennialism. Perennialism philosophy emphasizes critical thinking and the development of the intellect. A perennialist view of education is to teach students how to think, rather than what to think. The curriculum in a perennialist classroom often includes subjects such as mathematics, science, history, and literature, which are conceptual and have universal value.
3. Progressivism Philosophy
The third philosophy of education is progressivism. This philosophy emphasizes child-centered learning and experiential learning. A progressivist approach to education is to encourage students to learn through experiences and experimentation. The curriculum in a progressivist classroom is often designed to be hands-on and personalized to the interests and needs of each student.
4. Reconstructionism Philosophy
The fourth philosophy of education is reconstructionism. This philosophy stresses on the need for social reform as the primary function of education. The aim of a reconstructionist classroom is to encourage individuals to participate in shaping their society’s values and institutions. Curriculum in the reconstructionist classroom emphasizes social skills, civic education and awareness of social problems.
5. Existentialism Philosophy
The fifth philosophy of education is existentialism. This philosophy focuses on the individual’s experiences and the significance of their subjective meaning. An existentialist approach to education is to encourage students to explore their personal identity and discover their own values and beliefs. The curriculum in an existentialist classroom often incorporates humanities and arts to explore various perspectives on existence and human questions.
6. Humanism Philosophy
The sixth philosophy of education is humanism. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of every individual by focusing on their personal growth and development. A humanist approach to education is to cater to students’ emotional and intellectual needs, considering them to be equally important. The curriculum in a humanistic classroom is often designed to build students’ self-esteem and confidence.
7. Behaviorism Philosophy
The seventh philosophy of education is behaviorism. This philosophy emphasizes conditioning, practice, and repetition as primary means of learning. A behaviorist approach to education is to reward good behavior while punishing undesirable behaviors. Curriculum often involves drill and memorization exercises and assessments based on recall and repetition.
In conclusion, understanding these seven philosophies of education is incredibly vital for educators and students. By knowing these philosophies, it is possible to implement a student-centered, well-rounded, and comprehensive educational program that considers each student’s well-being, values and requirements.
