Philosophy of Education

Paper Summary:

The paper presents a discusson on progressivism, social reconstructionism and existentialism (student-centered philosophies) versus essentialism and perennialism (teacher-centered philosophies) and states that teacher-centered philosophies do not benefit students as much as student-centered philosophies, which put the students needs first. The paper contends that teacher-centered philosophies are outdated and of little use in today's modern world. The paper concludes that schools need to realize that teacher-centered philosophies that are authoritarian and conservative do not benefit students as well as student-centered philosophies that focus on the individual needs of the students.

Outline:
Philosophy of Education
Teacher-centered philosophies
Essentialism
Perennialism
Student-centered Philosophies
Progressivism, Social Reconstructive Existentialism
The Failings of Essentialism and Perennialism
High Standards and Standardized Testing
Core Beliefs of Teacher-centered Philosophies
The Benefits of Student-centered Philosophies
Benefits of Progressivism
Benefits of Social Reconstructionism
Benefits of Existentialism

From the Paper:

"These philosophies teach at the student rather than inclusively to the student thereby forcing the student to rely mainly on rote behaviors that have been proven mediocre at best for true learning and integrating information in a useful and meaningful way. "There are, of course, those kids, who can slide away from the hassles of daily life and can "mentally process" the rote material forced on them, thus achieving "high marks." Those are not the average kids. They are the minority." (Kemper, 2007, pg.2) It is true that essentialist adhere to high academic standards. How do they achieve these goals? Standardized testing is a component of this philosophy and we have all witnessed its failings in the American educational system today"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Edwards, N T. The historical and social foundations of standardized testing: In search of balance between learning and evaluation. Retrieved 6/9/07 from http://jalt.org/test/edw_1.htm
• Sadker & Sadker. Philosophy of Education. Teachers, Schools and Society 6th edition Retrieved 5/1/2007 from http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/007248-4918/student_view0/chapter9
• Encyclopedia of Education. Progressive Education. Retrieved 5/20/2007 from http://www.answers.com/topic/education/-progressivism
• Aretakis-Fredo, A. (2003). Literacy Review. Retrieved 5/26, 2007 from http://ashleyfredo.tripod.com/Social%20Reconstructivism.htm

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