TEACHER DEVELOPMENT

Why The Philosophy of Education Matters: Insights for Educators

1 October 2024/ By Zineb DJOUB

Understanding diverse viewpoints about the theory and practice of teaching is crucial for educators to create meaningful and effective learning experiences for their students. Exploring the philosophy of education serves as a gateway to reflecting on the beliefs that underpin our teaching practices and stimulates us to question our decisions and attitudes. In this post, I will discuss the meaning of the philosophy of education, its importance in the teaching profession, and some major educational philosophies.

What is the Philosophy of education?

Philosophy is a systematic inquiry about man, nature, and the universe. It includes the following branches:

• Metaphysics: The study of questions concerning the nature of reality or existence,
• Epistemology:The study of the nature of knowledge and how it is attained and evaluated,
• Axiology:The study of the question of value such as ethics and aesthetics.

 

There are different fields of philosophy such as educational philosophy, social philosophy, political philosophy, economic philosophy, etc.

So, how does philosophy relate to education?

Education involves developing students’ knowledge, skills, and character so they can pursue their goals and participate in community life. This vital social domain has intrigued philosophers for thousands of years due to its complex and multifaceted nature.

Philosophical inquiries in education address issues such as:

• What is learning, and how does it occur?

• The tension between liberal education and vocational training.

• The debate over prioritizing education for personal development versus citizenship.

• The distinctions between educating, teaching, training, and indoctrination.

 

Educational philosophy examines these problems from a philosophical perspective.

Philosophers of education employ critical, comprehensive, and synthetic methods to analyze and clarify concepts, arguments, theories, and language.

Their goal is to determine the aims of education, adapt to changes or reforms, and provide educational planners, administrators, and educators with a vision that helps them achieve educational goals effectively.

The importance of understanding the philosophy of education

Understanding the philosophy of education provides a foundational framework for teaching practices.

The more we grasp the views and theories that define learning and teaching, the better we can reflect on our beliefs as educators and develop the right attitudes and mindset to support students in learning at their best.

When you learn about the fundamental principles of education, you can develop your own teaching philosophy, which encompasses your beliefs about teaching and learning. These beliefs are critical because they directly influence your teaching style in practice.

By understanding the philosophy of education, you become more intentional about your decisions and understand why certain approaches will work better for your students. Your vision and goals become more visible and aligned with broader educational objectives and values.

Moreover, this understanding equips you with strategies and tools to adapt to various teaching challenges, manage your classroom effectively, and continuously reflect and grow over time.

In essence, understanding the philosophy of education is a powerful tool for educators. It helps you understand your beliefs, align your practices with educational goals, and adapt your teaching style to maximize learning outcomes for your students.

Major educational philosophies

Here are four major and influential educational technologies.

#Idealism

Idealism had its early origin in the Greek thinking of Anaxagoras, Parmenides, and Plato and became a dominant school of thought in the eighteenth century in the West, which continued into the early part of the twentieth century.

In the later part of the twentieth century, this philosophical trend was replaced by realism in epistemology and metaphysics.

Idealism, unlike realism and materialism, does not consider the universe as a mere mechanistic system that can be understood in terms of scientific concepts.

It holds that mind or spirit, as each man experiences it in himself, is fundamentally real and that the totality of the universe is somehow mind or spirit in its essence.

So, the mind plays a crucial role in making sense of the world around us.

Proponents such as Plato and Socrates argue that reality is shaped by our perceptions and education’s mission is to develop students’ intellectual and moral qualities.

Therefore, the focus should be on using questioning and discussion (Socratic Seminar) in the classroom to enhance critical thinking and cultivate moral values.

# Realism

Realism (also known as scientific realism) holds that the physical world exists independently of human thought and perception. It asserts that the knowledge gained through our senses is accurate and that what we observe and perceive is the genuine essence of the world.

This philosophy posits that the physical world is objective and factual, while personal emotions and desires are subjective and secondary.

Consequently, realism is also referred to as objectivism. Aristotle is widely considered the father of Realism, and notable proponents include John Locke, Erasmus, Rabelais, Comenius, Bertrand Russell, Francis Bacon, and John Milton.

Realistic educators aim to prepare learners for practical life. This is through prioritizing the teaching of factual knowledge and scientific principles, often using experimental methods and hands-on experiences to reinforce learning.

Also, it emphasizes vocational subjects and the inclusion of reading, writing, drawing, Geography, and Mathematics.

Moreover, realism believes in the power of the learner’s self-discipline and the importance of teacher-student relationships.

Teacher training and professional development are also prioritized to provide learners with a learning environment that triggers their curiosity, inquiry, and love of discovery.

# Pragmatism

Pragmatism, associated with thinkers like John Dewey and William James, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century in the United States. It views knowledge as being constructed based on real-world experiences.

So, pragmatism emphasizes functional knowledge and understanding which change as phenomena are constantly changing.

For educators, applying pragmatic principles means focusing on experience and action in learning to develop learners’ problem-solving skills. This is by engaging them in project-based learning, experiential activities, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Pragmatic curriculum prioritizes social sciences such as sociology, psychology, history, and economics. The goal is to support learners in developing the necessary social skills to participate in and contribute to the community.

The curriculum is also adaptable and responsive to changing societal needs, technological advancements, and new information to prepare students for real-world challenges and opportunities.

Further, within this educational philosophy, discipline is constructed through learners’ interactions and participation in purposeful learning activities. So, social integrity is essential for effective learning.

# Existentialism

Existentialism, influenced by philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard, focuses on individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning.

It rejects any source of objective, authoritative truth about metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics and accepts that individuals are responsible for making decisions for themselves.

In the existentialist classroom, learning is self-paced, and self-directed, and includes a great deal of individual interaction with the teacher and a wide variety of learning options for learners to choose from.

In addition, existentialism values vocational education. It helps students reflect on their interests and pursue careers that are meaningful to them.

It also encourages individual creativity and imagination by fostering a learning environment where they can think independently, express themselves freely, and make informed decisions in their educational journey.

Other educational philosophies

In addition to idealism, realism, pragmatism, and existentialism, other educational philosophies also play significant roles in shaping educational theory and practice:

Progressivism: Emphasizes learning through experience and critical thinking. It promotes hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving, to prepare students to actively participate in democracy.

Perennialism: Focuses on enduring ideas and universal truths. It aims to improve students’ intellectual and moral abilities through the study of classic texts and timeless concepts.

Essentialism: Values core knowledge and essential skills. It advocates for a rigorous curriculum that focuses on the fundamentals of reading, writing, mathematics, and science to give students a solid foundation.

Constructivism: Proposes that learners develop their own understanding of the world through experiences. It promotes active learning and encourages students to expand their knowledge through exploration and reflection. To learn more about constructivism, check out this post: Constructivism: Empowering Minds, Transforming Education

 

I hope you find this post helpful, even though it’s a bit long. Reflecting on educational philosophies can help you align your methods with your values, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for your students.