Five Philosophies of Education
Five Philosophies of Education
Education
1. Essentialism
2. Progressivism
3. Perennialism
4. Existentialism
5. Behaviorism
Philosphy
Means love or the pursuit of wisdom
Comes from the greek words,
philo meaning love and
Sophos meaning wisdom
Essentialism
Why teach? this philosophy contends that
teachers teach for learners to acquire basic
knowledge, skills and values. Teachers teach not
to radically reshape society but rather to
transmit the traditional moral values and
intellectual knowledge that students need to
become model citizens.
Progressivism
Why teach progressivist teachers teach to develop
learners into becoming enlightened and intelligent
citizens of a democratic society. This group of teachers
teach learners so they may live fully NOW not to
prepare them for adult life
Perennialism
Why teach we are all rational animals. Schools
should, therefore, develop the students rational and
moral powers. According to Aristotle, if we neglect the
students reasoning skills, we deprive the of the ability
to use their higher faculties to control their passion and
appetites.
Existentialism
Why teach the main concern of the existentialists
is to help the students understand and appreciate
themselves as unique individuals who accept complete
responsibility for their thoughts, feelings and actions.
Teachers role is to help students define their own
essence by exposing them to various paths they take in
life and by creating an environment in which they
freely choose their own preferred way.
Behaviorism
Why teach behaviourist schools are concerned
with the modification and shaping of students
behaviour by providing for a favorable environment,
since they believe that they are a product of their
environment. They are after students who exhibit
desirable behaviour in society.