Philosophical Foundations

Foundations of Curriculum

Philosophy

- Study of wisdom (Love of wisdom)

Philosophy fundamental question:Metaphysic - What is real? Epistemology - What is truth?Axiology - What is of value?

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

Tyler’s view of philosophy in relationship to school purpose

School Purposes

Suggestions from

Subject Specialists

Studies of Contemporary

Life

Use ofPsychology of

Learning

Studies of Learners

Use of Philosophy

Major Philosophies

Idealism Realism Pragmatism Existentialism

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

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

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

Realism Curriculum

Logic and lessons that exercise the mind and that cultivate rational thought are streessed.

Three R’s (Reading, Writing, Arithmatics)

Ethical, political, economic thought Has organized separate subjects

curriculum. For example study of humankind experience becomes history subject.

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

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

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.

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 learner’s feelings, emotions, and insights.

Educational Philosophies

Perennialism Essentialism Progressivism Reconstructionism

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

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

Perennialism Curriculum

Paideia proposal Liberal Arts

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.

Essentialism Curriculum

Essential skills (Three R’s) 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

Essentialism Curriculum

Back-to-basic curriculum Excellence in education Cultural literacy

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.

Progressivism Curriculum

Curriculum should be based on student’s 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

Progressivism Curriculum

Relevant curriculum Humanistic education Radical school reform

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

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

Reconstructionism Curriculum

International education Equality of educational opportunity

Adventist Philosophy

Philosophical base: Theism Aim: Restoration of man to God’s 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).

Adventist Curriculum

Curriculum Focus: Salvation, Redemption.

Subjects: Bible subjects in every program, health subject, vocational, work education, service learning, outreach.

Curriculum Trends

Adventist curriculum trends? Health message

Vegetarianism Sanitarium Academy (Boarding School) Isolated schools. Educational Excellence. Integration of Faith and Learning.