This document provides an overview of different philosophies of education including idealism, realism, pragmatism, and existentialism. It discusses key philosophers associated with each approach and how each philosophy influences teaching practices. The document encourages readers to reflect on which philosophy aligns most with their own views as a student, parent or teacher. It also briefly outlines additional philosophies of education like perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, and postmodernism. Readers are then instructed to develop their own statement of educational philosophy.

1. Introduction to Teaching William Allan Kritsonis, PhD Please silence all phones and pagers.

2. Field Experience How did it go?

3. Articles Article – 10 points Format – 10 points Introduction – 20 points Body – 30 points Conclusion – 20 points Grammar – 10 points

4. Articles “This report was very eye-opening.” “This surprised me because…” “I support this article and agree on…” “Even though I feel the study was unfair, I can still understand…”

5. Philosophy: a study of theories of knowledge, truth, existence, and good Theory: a set of related principles that are based on observation and are used to explain additional observations Philosophy of education: provides a framework for thinking about educational issues, and it guides professional practice How do I get one???

6. Teachers acquire a philosophical framework to guide their practice by becoming knowledgeable and reflective, which allows them to make professional decisions that promote as much growth in their students as possible.

7. Traditional Schools of Philosophy 4 cohesive philosophies on which most educational decisions are based: Idealism Realism Pragmatism Existentialism

8. Idealism Plato, Greek Philosopher A traditional philosophy asserting that, because the physical world is constantly changing, ideas are the only reliable form of reality

9. Idealism and Teaching Socratic method: questioning Believe that teaching and learning should focus on ideas. Teachers provide guidance by helping students become more precise and logical thinkers Criticized for being cold because it emphasizes the rational and logical over other dimensions of the human experience.

10. Realism Aristotle, Greek Philosopher Holds that the features of the universe exist whether or not a human being is there to perceive them There are important ideas and facts that must be understood and they can only be understood by studying the material world

11. Realism and Teaching Curriculum emphasizes essentials like math, science, reading, and writing Teachers emphasize observation, experimentation, and critical reasoning De-emphasize feelings and other personal factors Criticized for failing to take the whole person into account in the learning process

12. Pragmatism John Dewey, American Philosopher A traditional philosophy that rejects the idea of absolute, unchanging truth, instead asserting that truth is what works

13. Pragmatism and Teaching Experience and problem solving are key ideas More hands-on, concrete experiences than lecture Interdisciplinary problem solving Criticized for emphasizing student interests too strongly at the expense of essential knowledge

14. Existentialism Sartre, French Philosopher A traditional philosophy suggesting that humanity isn’t part of an orderly universe; rather, individuals create their own realities in their own unique way View humanity as meaningless on a small, isolated planet in an uncertain universe where nothing is determined

15. Existentialism and Teaching Places primary emphasis on the individual. We teach a child, not math. Education is an individual’s search for personal understanding, not something to be tested on Learner-centered and nondirective approach Criticized for impossibility of total freedom in a society with rules

16. Schools of Philosophy Idealism: A traditional philosophy asserting that, because the physical world is constantly changing, ideas are the only reliable form of reality Realism: Holds that the features of the universe exist whether or not a human being is there to perceive them Pragmatism: A traditional philosophy that rejects the idea of absolute, unchanging truth, instead asserting that truth is what works Existentialism: A traditional philosophy suggesting that humanity isn’t part of an orderly universe; rather, individuals create their own realities in their own unique way Which is closest to your beliefs as a student? A parent? A teacher? Discuss in your groups.

17. Philosophies of Education Perennialism Essentialism Progressivism Postmodernism

18. Perennialism An educational philosophy suggesting that nature, including human nature, is constant Believe in rigorous intellectual curriculum for all students The extent to which students find their studies relevant isn’t crucial Criticized for being elitist

19. Essentialism An educational philosophy suggesting that there is a critical core of information that all people should possess. Back to the basic skills and academic subjects. Students should be able to master these subjects Criticize interdisciplinary teaching

20. Progressivism An educational philosophy emphasizing curricula that focus on real-world problem solving and individual development Hands-on, learner-centered, teacher as facilitator Also criticized for focusing too much on the child’s personal interest

21. Postmodernism An educational philosophy that contends that many of the institutions in our society, including schools, are used by those in power to control and marginalize those who lack power Study events from the view of the marginalized party’s perspective

22. ©2005 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved Which most accurately describes your views of education, from the perspective of a real teacher? Comment on your paper.

23. Let’s watch the DVD segment referred to on page 203.

24. Read pages 204-207 and create your own Philosophy of Education Statement. Be sure to use philosophy names. It should be typed, double spaced with standard fonts and margins. Length is up to you, but less than one page is not recommended. Exit: There is nothing more to turn in, but you need to stay until you have a handle on how to begin your paper.