APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHIES IN EDUCATION

NATURALISM
o Naturalism stands for a democratic and universal way-everyone must be educated in the
same manner
o Education is in accordance to human development and growth
o Emphasis is given more on the physical development-informal exercise-and hygiene of
the person rather of the 3 Rs
o Aims to unfold the childs potential not to prepare him for a definite vocation or social
position-but to prepare him to adapt to the changing times and needs
o Consequently, ones conduct is governed by impulse, instincts and experience.
o It puts the child at the center of educational process and prepares him to experience life
as it is. LEARNER CENTERED
IDEALISM
o Ideas are the only true reality, the ultimate truths for matter is nothing but just a mere
representation of ideas.
o Emphasis is given on knowledge obtained by speculation and reasoning for its central
tenet is that ideas are the only things worth knowing for
o Focus is on conscious reasoning of the mind in order to attain truth. This includes the
activities pertinent to the human mind such as introspection and intuition and the use
of logic
o Its aim is to discover the full potentials in child and cultivates it in order to prepare him
for a better position in the society and for him to serve the society better
o Emphasis is given on subjectsphilosophy, literature, religion and historythat will
develop and enhance the mind of the child
o Methods used in teaching include lecture, discussion and Socratic dialogue
o Character development is through emulation of examples and heroes
REALISM
o The most effective way to find about reality is to study it through organized, separate and
systematically arranged matteremphasis is on subject matter concerning Science and
Mathematics
o Methods used in teaching include recitation, experimentation and demonstration
o Character development is through training in the rules of conduct
EXISTENTIALISM
o Subject matter is personal choice
o Learning is based on the willingness of the student to choose and give meaning to the
subject
o Emphasis is given on the students rather than on the curriculum content
o Students should not be treated as objects to be measured and standardized
o Methods are geared on giving opportunities for the students for self-actualization and
self-direction
o Character development is through the responsibility of every individual in making a
decision LEARNER CENTERED


ESSENTIALISM
o Schooling is practical for this will prepare students to become competent and valuable
members of the society
o Focuses on the basics-reading, writing, speaking and the ability to compute (arithmetic)
o Subjects that are given emphasis include geography, grammar, reading, history,
mathematics, art and hygiene
o Stresses the values of hard work, perseverance, discipline and respect to authorities
o Students should be taught to think logically and systematically-grasping not just the parts
but the whole
o Methods of teaching center on giving regular assignments, drills, recitation, frequent
testing and evaluation
PRAGMATISM
o Involves students to work in groups
o Methods of teaching include experimentation, project making and problem solving.
o Stresses on the application of what have learned rather that the transfer of the organized
body of knowledge
PERENNIALISM
o Some of the ideas in the past are still being taught because they are significant
o Curriculum should contain cognitive subjects that cultivate rationality, morality,
aesthetics and religious principles. This includes history, language, mathematics, logic,
literature, humanities and science.
o Curriculum must be based on recurrent themes of human life for it views education as a
recurring process based on eternal truths
o The teacher must have the mastery of the subject matter and authority in exercising it.
o Aims for the education of the rational personto develop mans power of thoughtthe
central aim of this philosophy
PROGRESSIVISM
o Focuses on the child as a whole rather than of the content or the teacher
o Curriculum content comes from the questions and interests of the students
o Emphasis is given on the validation of ideas by the students through active
experimentation
o Methods of teaching include discussions, interaction (teacher with students) and group
dynamics
o Opposes the extreme reliance on bookish method of instruction, learning through
memorization, the use of fear and punishment and the four walled philosophy of
education
CONSTRUCTIVISM
o A philosophy of learning which asserts that reality does not exist outside of human
conceptions. It is the individual who constructs reality by reflecting on his own
experience and gives meaning to it.
o Learning is the process of adjusting ones mental modes to accommodate new
experience.
RECONSTRUCTIVISM
o Schools should originate policies and progress that will bring social reforms and orders
o Teachers should be an instrument to encourage and lead students in the program or
social reforms
o Curriculum emphasizes on social reforms as the aim of education. It focuses on student
experience and taking social actions on real problems
o Method of teaching include the problem-oriented type (students are encouraged to
critically examine cultural heritage), group discussions, inquiry, dialogues, interactions
and community-based learning
o The classroom will serve as a laboratory in experimenting school practices bringing the
world into the classroom
BEHAVIORISM
o Asserts that human beings are shaped entirely by their external environment
o The only reality is the physical world
NATIONALISM
o The most important development was the creation of common language
o Stresses on the teaching of the principles of democracy, and duties of citizenship
o Stimulates the development of the state which includes the control and support of public
school system
o Curriculum includes the teaching of grammar, geography and history
o Method of teaching gives emphasis on the content regarding on nature studies, physical
exercises and play activities
HUMANISM
o Education is a process and should not be taken abruptly. The unfolding of human
character proceeds with unfolding of nature
o The learner should be in control of his destiny
o Concern is more on methods which include theme writing rather than oral discussions,
drills and exercises, playing
o Asserts the importance of playing in the curriculum
o Emphasizes motivations and the use of praise and rewards
o Curriculum includes subjects concerning literary appreciation, physical education, social
training in manners and development


- See more at: http://syndicaeduc.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/applications-of-different-
philosophies.html#sthash.1AJEvao0.dpuf