This philosophical school of thought is called Reconstructionism. It believes that society needs constant reconstruction through education and that people can plan and control their society. Reconstructionism sees teachers as primary agents of social change who should lead learners in designing programs to critically examine culture and discuss controversial issues. It uses community projects and problem-oriented methods, with a curriculum focused on present social problems and enabling students to live in a global society.

1. Philosophical School of Thought
RECONSTRUCTIO
N

2. Thinkers
Theodore Brameld
George Sylvester Counts
Paulo Reglus Neves Freire
Ivan Illich

3. Assumptions
• Man to a significant degree plan and control his
society.
• Society is in need of constant reconstruction.
• Social change involves a reconstruction of
education and the use of education in reconstructing
society.
• Mankind has the intellectual, technological, and
moral potential to create a world civilization of
abundance, health and human capacity.

4. Role of Teachers
• Lead the learners in designing programs for social,
educational, practical and economic change.
• Primary agent of social change.
• Initiates lively discussions on controversial issues,
political and educational.
• Enables the learners to critically examine their cultural
heritage.

5. Models/
and
Strategies
Community-based projects
Problem-oriented method

6. Educational Aim
• Education is based on the
quest for better society.
• Education enlivens the
students’ awareness of
different societal
problems.

7. Curriculum Emphasis
• Stresses learning that enable the individual to live in a
global milieu.
• Controversial national and international issues.
• Emphasis on social sciences and social research methods;
examination of social, economic and political problems.
• Focused on present and future trends.

8. THE END