Existential Learning Theory ( Or ... .Suck it up Buttercup)

1. Existential LearningTheory(Or....Suck it up Buttercup) Teri Toland

2. History Foundations laid by Socrates, Plato Most recent philosophers: Kierkegaar, Sartre, Jaspers, Heidegaar, Marcel, Scheiling, Pascal, Nietshce, Hussrell, Harper, Gardner Developed most fully during the last two centuries “Tragedy, death, guilt, suffering all force one to appraise one’s total situation, much more than do happiness, joy, success, innocence, since it is in the former that momentous choices must be made.” (Harper) No specific key texts, but writings from the philosophers

3. Existential Learning Theory Defined “The objective of education is to enable every individual to develop his unique qualities, to harness his potentialities and cultivate his individualities. “* human life is unique and emergent * child is to be recognized as a full person and not as an incomplete adult. * child has choices and takes full responsibility of consequences while exercising freedom of choice

4. The Existential Learner... Existential learning styles, or intelligence, refer to a person's ability to reflect inwardly when learning and interacting with others. Characteristics: * highlyintrospectiveand attuned to their inner selves * have a firm understanding of their own personal beliefs, preferences, and convictions * enjoy school activities that allow them a choice of activities * prefer to express themselves and their opinions as opposed to memorizing facts and information * frequently motivated and good at evaluating their own work.

5. Underlying concepts and key elements *Human free will *A person is best when struggling against their individualnature, fightingfor life *Decisionsare not without stress and consequences *Personal responsibility and discipline is crucial *secular rules are arbitrary

6. Why is this important for us to understand? Importance to Classroom: understand existential learners and their unique needs. provide an environment to address and strengthen existential qualities in all students Importance to Teachers: Need training on how to differentiate in order to meet the needs of all students and have a better understanding of those needs. Create an environment where students are responsible for choices and reflective Importance to students: More receptive to instruction Develop existential life skills

7. Use and Application in Classrooms Studies resonate upon heart, and mind, of passionate good reading and then personal contact. No formal curriculum consisting of set of body of studies *Focus on art, drama, music, novels *Social sciences come 2nd *History taught to change the course of history and influence future *Liberalize studies as it is the person who counts and not the profession *World religion *Self-examination and social obedience *The curriculum should be chosen, sorted out and owned by the learner *Problem solving *Personal reading *Individual work rather than group work

8. Use and Applications for Schools *Should help students be original. Teachers have an autonomous function to students to be free, charitable and self-moving Teachers influence students to work hard, dying for one’s country and death, although gloomy can be glorious Teachers must build positive relationships Teacher is also seen as changing and growing Education geared toward student powers and needs Free of harsh discipline, intense competition, fear of failure Goal to nurture self-discipline and cultivate self-evaluation Flexible and open schedule Democracy advocated with student government, and participation

9. Impact on School Cultures Collaboration Student buy-in, Democracy Trust Students are heard and choices respected Learning Students are self directed, studying subjects that are a “good fit” Expectations Students will be responsible for choices Students will struggle, but overcome difficulties

10. Strengths of Theory for Schools Recognize individual differences and have curricula suiting the needs of the individual Promotes enlightened, creative individuals, liberates ‘young souls’ Enables learners to “create meanings in a cosmos devoid of objective meaning to find reasons for being in a society with fewer and fewer open doors.” Students take responsibility for consequences Optimistic, emphasizing freedom and choice

11. Weaknesses of Theory for Schools Doesn’t advocate any rigid curriculum Organizing a program seems impossible and bring about chaos Understanding each personality requires much time and effort Difficult to set up program when concepts are not clear Dichotomy of manipulating behaviors and principle of free choice Can be seen as neurotic, narcissistic and full of pain and anguish

12. Does Existential Learning Theory Maximize Time on Quality Instruction? Maybe....

13. Works Citedhttp://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/existentialism-in-education-1233391.htmlhttp//:newfoundations.com/GALLERY/Sartre.html