This document discusses existentialism as a philosophy of education. It outlines some key existentialist principles such as existence preceding meaning, and that humans are solely responsible for defining their own meaning and purpose in life through their choices and actions. The document also discusses implications of existentialism for education, including that teachers should focus on students' individual needs and freedom rather than a standardized curriculum. Teachers are encouraged to facilitate learning through activities involving real-life experiences. The goal is to help students develop their unique abilities and define their own essence. Overall, the document analyzes how existentialist philosophy influences approaches to teaching and learning.

1. October 20, 2014
Sr. Jocelyn P. Gutang, CB
School connected: San Agustin Academy, Panglao, Bohol
Subject: PHILOSOPHICAL,SOCIOLOGICAL,AND PSYCHOLOGICAL
FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION
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EXISTENTIALISM
Abstract:
This paper talks about the broadened understanding of Existentialism as philosophy of
education and as a philosophical movement. It tells about the common existentialists
principles which are the framework of its philosophy, existentialists’ beliefs and
teachings. It spells out the Existentialism implications to education; with fewdetails on
the role of teachers in engaging their students to different activities through their
teaching styles and approaches as well their attitudes toward teaching, the learning
environment and the learners. It also views the individuality of the person, with
emphasis on the exercise of freedom and choices and creating meaning of one’s own
existence.
Introduction:
Existentialism is a modern philosophy emerging from the 19th
century inspired by
some existentialist proponents Kierkegaard and Nietzsche..this philosophy is
concerned with the subjective or personal aspect of existence. It emphasizes
individual existence, freedom and choice., which view that humans are solely

2. responsible for defining their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions
despite in an existing irrational universe. This philosophy recognizes the existence of
individuality and believes that individuals are entirely free and must take personal
accountability for themselves’.
Existentialist philosophers retained the emphasis on the individual, but differ in,
varying degrees, on how one achieves a fulfilling life, what obstacles must be over
come, what external and internal factors are involved including the potential
consequences of the existence .Existentialism as a movement is used to describe
those who refuse to belong to any school of thought ,questioning the adequacy of any
beliefs or system, claiming to be superficial ,academic and remote from life.
Existentialist common principles: Framework of existential philosophy of
Education
The first Principle, which is existence precedes meaning, says that human being
exist first and then defines his/her essence by the choices he/she make and his/her
actions. Thus, the through consciousness, creates his/her values and determines a
meaning of her life. Next principle is every moment human being is free. And no
external forces or agent could mar and influence and her /his freedom, unless he
chooses to let them be. Along with this freedom, comes the burden of responsibility.
.One last thing about this philosophy is that man is viewed as a subject, not an object.
Every person is an individual and unique. From these common existential principles, a
special human relationship between student and teacher can evolve.

3. Based on these principles, we can see the underlying concepts and beliefs
of Existentialism: it emphasizes individual existence, personal freedom and authentic
choice. With it, comes the crucial living/practice of personal responsibility and discipline.
Existentialism’s teachings, approaches and classroom practices
There are aspects of teaching that one must consider before going into
classroom: The teacher’s passion for teaching, styles and approaches, and her
classroom management techniques. Since this is student-centered philosophy, teacher
is less concerned with training the mind, but more focused on individual needs,
contemporary relevance and preparing students for a changing future. The method
must allow for the student’s’ development of her own unique possibilities, which is why
the existentialists would reject a standardize curriculum and an authoritarian model of
teaching The existentialist teacher will obtain guiding, teaching and learning principles
and conditions that promote freedom and responsibility among learners. Teacher will
facilitate and use strategies which would involve students in real life, as the use of
visual processing, Mnemonic strategy and hand on activities, role plays and games,
simulations, project making, story- telling and analogy . Teacher’s view of teaching
plays a critical role in education. Teacher sees teaching as an attitude rather than
technique and view teaching as an encounter and require the teacher to participate in
the student’s existence. And teacher has to know the student personally instead of just
knowing him/her thru his academic performance. The teacher sees student as a valued
individual because of his freedom and capabilities and uniqueness. In the classroom
situation, the student is called a learner, who is responsible, free to make his own
goals.. The teacher’s role is to help students define their essence by giving them

4. freedom, so, these children can start to recognize their potentials and gifts. Humanities
is a big part of the curriculum, for this would enhance students’ creativity and self
expression. The teacher needs to provide or create class room environment or an
atmosphere of acceptance where students can explore, discover the personal meaning
of events; nourish and develop their ideas in dialogue through interaction with other
people.
The atmosphere of learning is important for the learning process. If healthy
atmosphere is created, the learners are free to decide what is good relevant for
themselves. They are able to internalize things they find important and what their values
are. The learners’ ideas, feelings, attitudes and perspective must be respected and their
differences must be admired.
Conclusion:
I do agree to this beliefs of existentialism.”.existence precedes meaning” that human
beings define their own meaning in life,..that we can design our life because we have
this freedom. The choices and the decision we have is what we make of ourselves. If
my life is miserable and unhappy, this because I chose it to be. Taking the balance is
needed , because when we give too much emphasis on individuality as we have all the
means to creating meaningful life is saying that we overlook the dignity and the grace
that comes from God. Partly, I don’t go with this belief: that tradition, laws, customs,
secular rules are arbitrary and control the authenticity of the individual. The reality is
we came from a family, live in the society where we relate and interact with people
everyday And I am convince that is through inter actions ,,we learn and experience

5. growth in maturity. . Laws, traditions are created to support our value system and to
have order and harmony.
As to the implications to education, existentialism goes deeper by applying
effective strategies as well as over arching reasons why learners learn..Not only
knowledge is being created but is interdependent on a self constructed sense of identity
and awareness, Students who apply deep personal meanings with what they are doing
and learning will do so more effectively..Students have freedom to do things their own
way. Existential pedagogy illuminates the core of teaching and learning as personal
pursuits to find meaning, define identities and live authentically and freely. This
pedagogy applies to learners of all ages in all learning environments. However, this
existential pedagogy may have particular relevance for adult learners. Adult and life
learners pursue learning opportunities for reasons. They maybe attempting to
overcome issues relating to self actualization, achieving goals overcoming confusion, or
define their identities..
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References:
1. Marino, G ( 2004) Basic writings of Existentialism
2. Corrigan,J ( 2008) Oxford handbook of Religion and emotion
3. Livingstone Jamews et al ( 2006) Modern Christian thought
4. Guignon C and Derk P (2006) Existentialism: Basic Writing
5. Pine and Sadker,(2005) Principlesof teachingandlearning
6. Margini,James(2012), Existentialism, PhenomenologyandEducation

6. TERM PAPER
ON
Philo-socio and Psychological Foundations of Education
Submitted to
Francis Jeus B. Ibanez ,M. A.
Submitted by
Sr. Jocelyn P. Gutang, CB