Realism

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Overview

Definition of Realism Key Philosophers Effects on Education Group Activity

Realism

Things exist whether or not the human mind perceives them.

Objects are characterized by their properties, such as: Size Shape Weight Color

Each of these acorns is different based upon their:

size various shapes different weights range of colors

However, they each retain

the universal property that can be called “acornness”.

AristotleClassical Realist

Aristotle believed that everything has a purpose or function.

He believed in a Golden Mean – there should be no lack or excess.

Aristotle’s syllogism moves from specifics to generalizations:

Sound comes from things that exist

A falling tree makes sound

Therefore, the tree exists.

Thomas AquinasReligious Realist

Believed only God teaches. We, the teachers, motivate.

Primary agencies of education are family, God, and state, respectively.

Sir Francis Bacon

Modern Realist

Did not have the presupposition of God

Is considered the father of the inductive method

The inductive method moves to generalizations from specifics:

A tree creates sound waves as it falls. Sound waves are moving patterns of air

compression. These compressions are heard as sound

when they strike the eardrum. All falling trees create air compression

patterns. Therefore, all trees create sound as they

fall.

John LockeModern Realist

His major contribution was the development of an acute awareness of experience.

We are born tabula rasa (as a blank slate).

Formulated the doctrine of substance.

John R. Searle

Contemporary Realist

The external world exists independent of human thought.

Consciousness is as much an ordinary biological phenomenon as is digestion.

Realism in the Classroom

Focuses on the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.

Classroom environment is highly structured and organized.

Utilization of standardized testing.

Education should be fun and interesting for the student.

Education should prepare students for life in the real world.

Advantages of Realism

Teachers: It gives testing results that can help prove

that the students are learning the material

Parents: gives a parent something tangible to look at

School Corporation: State and Federal funding dollars come from

how well students perform on mandated testing

Disadvantages of Realism:

Teachers: Teachers are held accountable for how their

students perform on standardized testing.Parents: When a child’s score isn’t what the parents

expect it to be the parent looks for someone to blame.

School Corporation: Schools can lose valuable funds because of

test scores.

Activity

Arrange yourselves into your presentation groups.

As a group, work to use the parts provided to create a functioning machine.

When finished, your machine should successfully crack the shell of the provided nuts.

The groups that accomplish this task in the time allowed will receive a snack!