1st: Progressivism: Rather than focus on content or on the teacher, Progressivists believe that education should be student-centered, focused on active participation, questioning, and experimentation. Other characteristics of this philosophy include shared decision making about curriculum, democratic processes, and academic freedom. Notes: I know from first hand experience if the student isn’t engaged you can’t teach anything. And, you can’t assume a student is engaged without active participation.
2nd: Essentialism: The core of this philosophy is the belief that there is an essential common core of practical knowledge, skills, and moral standards that all schools should teach and that all students should learn in order to become productive and valuable members of society. Existentialists recognize that some components of this curriculum may change over time, but that the core values of hard work, discipline, and respect for authority are key. Notes: I was somewhat surprised this isn’t first. This is mostly because I have seen students move on past foundational skills before they are ready. Sometimes, skipping those core prerequisites can damage everything. While I believe in tailored learning, I also believe there are some core educational axioms that cannot be ignored.
3rd: Perennialism: Perennialists seek to acquire an understanding of the great ideas of Western civilization that have endured for centuries and constitute a set of truths that are constant and relevant for every generation. Thus, the highest aim of education is developing cultural literacy (great accomplishments in literature, art, science, math, etc.), intellect, and rational thought. Notes: I don’t think any civilization should be studied or understood more than another. I do believe we may need greater familiarity with Western society, since we live there. Update 09/22/2018: Artifact Two: does tie science, art and digital culture together. In that sense, it is a creation that in part, steps outside my philosophic comfort zone.
4th: Existentialism: Existentialists believe that reality is inherently subjective and, therefore, focuses on individual choice, freedom, and determination. Therefore, the role of the teacher is to create opportunities for students to be self-directed and pursue the development of their individual views, goals, and responsibilities Notes: I am not surprised that this is fourth. I disagree with the first sentence. I do not believe reality is subjective. That contradicts every theory of epistemology that makes sense. And, in school, I think total individual freedom often leads away from learning.
Dead Last: Social Reconstructionism: This student-centered philosophy highlights social reform and the quest to create a more equitable society as the highest aim of education. Students and teachers work together to tackle controversial issues through inquiry, dialogue, multiple perspectives, and community involvement. Notes: I don’t believe education should have an agenda beyond preparing people for life, whichever life they chose to live. Beyond basic manners and decorum, I don’t think we can or should use education to create Utopia. And anyone who thinks they can is probably a little too arrogant to look to the needs of all students. I think, these feelings are why Social Reconstructionism scored so low. Update 10/22/2018: Artifact Three, by bringing in parents for a wider community dialogue, and by including their perspectives on student achievement, is definitely traveling towards Social Reconstructionism.
All Philosophy Definitions from: (Sadker, 1997, P. 405).
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