Philosophical Foundations

1. Philosophical Foundations Foundations of Curriculum

2. Philosophy • Study of wisdom (Love of wisdom) Philosophy fundamental question: Metaphysic - What is real? Epistemology - What is truth? Axiology - What is of value?

3. Philosophy and Curriculum “Philosophy is the beginning point in curriculum decision making and is the basis for all subsequent decisions regarding curriculum” – John Goodland As cited on page 31

4. Tyler’s view of philosophy in relationship to school purpose Suggestions from Subject Specialists Studies of Contemporary Life Studies of Learners School Purposes Use of Philosophy Use of Psychology of Learning

5. Major Philosophies • Idealism • Realism • Pragmatism • Existentialism

6. Idealism • Highest aim is the search for truth and values that will stand the test of time • Truth and values are seen as absolute, timeless, and universal

7. Idealism curriculum • Curriculum is hierarchical. Concept and abstract subjects are the top subjects. (Philosophy, theology) • Promotes abstract thinking (Mathematics is considered important because it cultivates the power to deal with abstract thinking) • Language subject is important

8. Realism • People can come to know the world through their senses and reason. • Things happen according to purpose and in an orderly way (Natural law). • Truth emanate from both science and art

9. Realism Curriculum • Logic and lessons that exercise the mind and that cultivate rational thought are streessed. • Three R’s (Reading, Writing, Arithmatics) • Ethical, political, economic thought • Has organized separate subjects curriculum. For example study of humankind experience becomes history subject.

10. Pragmatism • Referred to as experimentalism, based on change, process, and relativity. • Construes knowledge as a process in which reality is constantly changing • Nothing can be viewed intelligently except in relation to a pattern • Truth is no longer absolute or unversal

11. Pragmatism Curriculum • Views teaching as more exploratory than explanatory • Considers teaching and learning as process of reconstructing experience according to scientific method • Focuses on problems solving

12. Existentialism • Stress in individualism and personal self-fulfillment • Prefer to free learner to choose what to study and determine what is truth • Recognizes few standards, customs or tradition.

13. Existentialism Curriculum • Consists of experiences and subjects that lend themselves to philosophical dialogue and acts of choice making: Literature, drama, filmaking, art, etc. • Classroom would be rich in materials. • Stresses self-expressive activities, experimentation, and methods and media. • Focuses on learner’s feelings, emotions, and insights.

14. Educational Philosophies • Perennialism • Essentialism • Progressivism • Reconstructionism

15. Perennialism • Philosophical Base: Realism • Aim: To educate the rational person • Knowledge: Focus on past and permanent studies. (Preserving the past knowledge) • Role of teacher: Helps students to think rationally. Teacher is an authority in the field (Unquestionable) • Teaching method: Socratic method, oral exposition (lecture), explicit teaching of traditional values

16. Perennialism Curriculum • Classic subjects: Literature, language, mathematics, • Constant curriculum (Unchanged) • Common curriculum for all (Little room for electives and vocational) • Students has no freedom to choose

17. Perennialism Curriculum • Paideia proposal • Liberal Arts

18. Essentialism • Philosophical base: Realism and Idealism • Aim: To promote intellectual growth and educate the competent person • Knowledge: Essential skills, master of concepts, and principles • Role of teacher: Authority in the field. • Teaching method: explicit teaching of traditional values. Tough discipline.

19. Essentialism Curriculum • Essential skills (Three R’s) • Essential subjects: English, Science, history, math, foreign language • Affected by the demand of the public to raise the academic standards and to improve students’ work and minds • Subjects that have contents are emphasized rather than process

20. Essentialism Curriculum • Back-to-basic curriculum • Excellence in education • Cultural literacy

21. Progressivism • Philosophical base: Pragmatism • Aim: To provide democratic, social living • Knowledge: Growth and development, living learning process, focus on active and relevant learning • Role of teacher: To guide • Teaching method: Problem solving and scientific inquiry.

22. Progressivism Curriculum • Curriculum should be based on student’s interests. Should be applicable for human affairs (solving problem). • Interdisciplinary subject matter. • Focus on activities and projects. • Reality is changing therefore no need to focus on fixed body of knowledge. • Process is more important than content

23. Progressivism Curriculum • Relevant curriculum • Humanistic education • Radical school reform

24. Reconstructionism • Philosophical base: Pragmatism • Aim: To improve and reconstruct society. Education is for change and social reform • Knowledge: Skills and subjects that identify problems of society. Active learning with focus of contemporary and future. • Role of teacher: Agent of change and reform (Project director) • Teaching method: Case study, involve students for social responsibilities. Neutrality is not an option. Social analysis, interpretation, and evaluation activities

25. Reconstructionism Curriculum • Emphasis on social sciences and social research methods • Examination of social, economic and political problem • Focus on present and future as well as local and global issues

26. Reconstructionism Curriculum • International education • Equality of educational opportunity

27. Adventist Philosophy • Philosophical base: Theism • Aim: Restoration of man to God’s image • Knowledge: Bible Values.To prepare responsible citizen for the world today and the world to come. Balance Education- Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Social (Wholistic Education) • Role of teacher: Lead student for Christ • Teaching method: Faith Integration, practical, living by example (modeling).

28. Adventist Curriculum • Curriculum Focus: Salvation, Redemption. • Subjects: Bible subjects in every program, health subject, vocational, work education, service learning, outreach.

29. Curriculum Trends • Adventist curriculum trends? • Health message • Vegetarianism • Sanitarium • Academy (Boarding School) • Isolated schools. • Educational Excellence. • Integration of Faith and Learning.