2. What is Essentialism?
Essentialists believe that there is a common core of knowledge
that needs to be transmitted to students in a systematic,
disciplined way.
It’s philosophical base is idealism and realism.
William C. Bagley was one of the most influential advocates of
essentialism.
He introduces this philosophy in 1930.
It is an educational and subject centered philosophy.
3. Proponents:
The proponents of essentialism are:
James D. Koerner
H. G. Rickover
Paul Copperman
Theodore Sizer
4. Curriculum:
Instructional objectives are about to promote the intellectual growth of the
individual and to educate the competent person.
The basics training students to read, write, speak, and compute clearly and
logically.
The core of the curriculum is essential knowledge and skills and academic rigor.
This educational philosophy’s curriculum is changed from Perennialism and
Essentialists.
The curriculum’s main focus is on essential skills(three R’s) and essential subjects
.
6. Aims:
It aims to develop character by instilling in them respect for
authority.
Emphasis is laid on ethics, values, morals and discipline, things
that are not learnt by books.
There is a focus on personality and character traits, the
individuals get academic education in a more constructive
manner.
Provide students with strong academic foundations, hard work
is encouraged, discipline is maintained, and basic skills are
focused upon.
7. Role of Teachers:
The role of the teacher is to teach discipline and
hard work.
The teacher is an expert of content knowledge.
The teacher is accountable
Teacher uses instructional strategies like lecture,
memorization, homework and mastery learning.
8. Criticism of Essentialism in Education:
Positive:
Stability of education.
Negative:
Students take more on the passive role on their education.
