Philosophical Foundations

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Philosophical Foundations

• Foundations of Curriculum

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Philosophy

• Study of wisdom (Love of wisdom)
• Philosophy fundamental question
• Metaphysic - What is real?
• Epistemology - What is truth?
• Axiology - What is of value?

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Philosophy and Curriculum

• Philosophy is the beginning point in curriculum
  decision making and is the basis for all
  subsequent decisions regarding curriculum John
  Goodland
• As cited on page 31

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Tylers view of philosophy in relationship to
school purpose
Suggestions from Subject Specialists
Studies of Contemporary Life
Studies of Learners
School Purposes
Use of Psychology of Learning
Use of Philosophy
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Major Philosophies

• Idealism
• Realism
• Pragmatism
• Existentialism

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Idealism

• Highest aim is the search for truth and values
  that will stand the test of time
• Truth and values are seen as absolute, timeless,
  and universal

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Idealism curriculum

• Curriculum is hierarchical. Concept and abstract
  subjects are the top subjects. (Philosophy,
  theology)
• Promotes abstract thinking (Mathematics is
  considered important because it cultivates the
  power to deal with abstract thinking)
• Language subject is important

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Realism

• People can come to know the world through their
  senses and reason.
• Things happen according to purpose and in an
  orderly way (Natural law).
• Truth emanate from both science and art

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Realism Curriculum

• Logic and lessons that exercise the mind and that
  cultivate rational thought are streessed.
• Three Rs (Reading, Writing, Arithmatics)
• Ethical, political, economic thought
• Has organized separate subjects curriculum. For
  example study of humankind experience becomes
  history subject.

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Pragmatism

• Referred to as experimentalism, based on change,
  process, and relativity.
• Construes knowledge as a process in which reality
  is constantly changing
• Nothing can be viewed intelligently except in
  relation to a pattern
• Truth is no longer absolute or unversal

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Pragmatism Curriculum

• Views teaching as more exploratory than
  explanatory
• Considers teaching and learning as process of
  reconstructing experience according to scientific
  method
• Focuses on problems solving

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Existentialism

• Stress in individualism and personal
  self-fulfillment
• Prefer to free learner to choose what to study
  and determine what is truth
• Recognizes few standards, customs or tradition.

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Existentialism Curriculum

• Consists of experiences and subjects that lend
  themselves to philosophical dialogue and acts of
  choice making Literature, drama, filmaking, art,
  etc.
• Classroom would be rich in materials.
• Stresses self-expressive activities,
  experimentation, and methods and media.
• Focuses on learners feelings, emotions, and
  insights.

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Educational Philosophies

• Perennialism
• Essentialism
• Progressivism
• Reconstructionism

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Perennialism

• Philosophical Base Realism
• Aim To educate the rational person
• Knowledge Focus on past and permanent studies.
  (Preserving the past knowledge)
• Role of teacher Helps students to think
  rationally. Teacher is an authority in the field
  (Unquestionable)
• Teaching method Socratic method, oral exposition
  (lecture), explicit teaching of traditional values

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Perennialism Curriculum

• Classic subjects Literature, language,
  mathematics,
• Constant curriculum (Unchanged)
• Common curriculum for all (Little room for
  electives and vocational)
• Students has no freedom to choose

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Perennialism Curriculum

• Paideia proposal
• Liberal Arts

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Essentialism

• Philosophical base Realism and Idealism
• Aim To promote intellectual growth and educate
  the competent person
• Knowledge Essential skills, master of concepts,
  and principles
• Role of teacher Authority in the field.
• Teaching method explicit teaching of traditional
  values. Tough discipline.

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Essentialism Curriculum

• Essential skills (Three Rs)
• Essential subjects English, Science, history,
  math, foreign language
• Affected by the demand of the public to raise the
  academic standards and to improve students work
  and minds
• Subjects that have contents are emphasized rather
  than process

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Essentialism Curriculum

• Back-to-basic curriculum
• Excellence in education
• Cultural literacy

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Progressivism

• Philosophical base Pragmatism
• Aim To provide democratic, social living
• Knowledge Growth and development, living
  learning process, focus on active and relevant
  learning
• Role of teacher To guide
• Teaching method Problem solving and scientific
  inquiry.

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Progressivism Curriculum

• Curriculum should be based on students
  interests. Should be applicable for human
  affairs (solving problem).
• Interdisciplinary subject matter.
• Focus on activities and projects.
• Reality is changing therefore no need to focus on
  fixed body of knowledge.
• Process is more important than content

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Progressivism Curriculum

• Relevant curriculum
• Humanistic education
• Radical school reform

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Reconstructionism

• Philosophical base Pragmatism
• Aim To improve and reconstruct society.
  Education is for change and social reform
• Knowledge Skills and subjects that identify
  problems of society. Active learning with focus
  of contemporary and future.
• Role of teacher Agent of change and reform
  (Project director)
• Teaching method Case study, involve students for
  social responsibilities. Neutrality is not an
  option. Social analysis, interpretation, and
  evaluation activities

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Reconstructionism Curriculum

• Emphasis on social sciences and social research
  methods
• Examination of social, economic and political
  problem
• Focus on present and future as well as local and
  global issues

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Reconstructionism Curriculum

• International education
• Equality of educational opportunity

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Adventist Philosophy

• Philosophical base Theism
• Aim Restoration of man to Gods image
• Knowledge Bible Values.To prepare responsible
  citizen for the world today and the world to
  come. Balance Education- Spiritual, Physical,
  Mental, Social (Wholistic Education)
• Role of teacher Lead student for Christ
• Teaching method Faith Integration, practical,
  living by example (modeling).

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Adventist Curriculum

• Curriculum Focus Salvation, Redemption.
• Subjects Bible subjects in every program, health
  subject, vocational, work education, service
  learning, outreach.

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Curriculum Trends

• Adventist curriculum trends?
• Health message
• Vegetarianism
• Sanitarium
• Academy (Boarding School)
• Isolated schools.
• Educational Excellence.
• Integration of Faith and Learning.