Idealism Realism Pragmatism

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Idealism As APhilosophy of Education

• Absolutist- The search for “TRUTH”- True IdeasAbsolutist- The search for “TRUTH”- True Ideas• Rationalist- The search for truth is a rational process. Thus, Rationalist- The search for truth is a rational process. Thus,

to be educated, is to reason effectively.to be educated, is to reason effectively.• Subjectivist- Individuals should strive for self-realizationSubjectivist- Individuals should strive for self-realization• Character DevelopmentCharacter Development

– WisdomWisdom– Moral convictionMoral conviction– Good willGood will– LoyaltyLoyalty

• Absolutist- The search for “TRUTH”- True IdeasAbsolutist- The search for “TRUTH”- True Ideas• Rationalist- The search for truth is a rational process. Thus, Rationalist- The search for truth is a rational process. Thus,

to be educated, is to reason effectively.to be educated, is to reason effectively.• Subjectivist- Individuals should strive for self-realizationSubjectivist- Individuals should strive for self-realization• Character DevelopmentCharacter Development

– WisdomWisdom– Moral convictionMoral conviction– Good willGood will– LoyaltyLoyalty

AIMS of AIMS of EDUCATIONEDUCATION

• Depth over breadth • Concepts over specific facts• Confront problems that arise from the “human condition.” • “Self-Directed” learning• Lecture to stimulate thought, not to convey information

METHOD of METHOD of EDUCATIONEDUCATION

• Materials that promote “critical thinking.”• Focus on reading and writing.• Reading materials should foster discussion of “big ideas.”• Classic works are favored because they have passed the

test of time.• Student writing should emphasize both personal

expression and clear reasoning.

• Materials that promote “critical thinking.”• Focus on reading and writing.• Reading materials should foster discussion of “big ideas.”• Classic works are favored because they have passed the

test of time.• Student writing should emphasize both personal

expression and clear reasoning.

CURRICULUMCURRICULUM

• Socrates might serve as the prototype– Socratic questioning

• Teachers serve as role models– Intellectual– Moral

• An Idealist teacher tends to see teaching as a calling- more than just an occupation

• Socrates might serve as the prototype– Socratic questioning

• Teachers serve as role models– Intellectual– Moral

• An Idealist teacher tends to see teaching as a calling- more than just an occupation

ROLE OF THE ROLE OF THE TEACHERTEACHER

Realism as a Philosophy of EducationRealism as a Philosophy of Education• Absolutist- Education should focus on the truth of the

natural and physical world• Empiricist- Teach students the scientific method of

problem solving by exploring the material world• Objectivist- Emphasize basic skills and basic facts-

“3Rs” There are objective skills and facts that all students should learn.

• Character Development:– Establish high standards and increased rigor and hold

students accountable– Emphasize practical knowledge that will prepare students for

the world of work

• Absolutist- Education should focus on the truth of the natural and physical world

• Empiricist- Teach students the scientific method of problem solving by exploring the material world

• Objectivist- Emphasize basic skills and basic facts- “3Rs” There are objective skills and facts that all students should learn.

• Character Development:– Establish high standards and increased rigor and hold

students accountable– Emphasize practical knowledge that will prepare students for

the world of work

Aims of Aims of EducatioEducatio

Realism as a Philosophy of EducationRealism as a Philosophy of Education

Methods of Methods of EducationEducation

• Direct teaching techniques are preferable. • Students should be presented information in an

organized, efficient and logical format.• Given the “information overload” in today’s society, it is

important that “non-essential” learning should be eliminated.

• Students should be taught based upon their strengths and abilities.

• Scientific testing should be used to diagnose and place students in settings most appropriate to their needs

• Technology should be utilized whenever appropriate in schools

CurriculumCurriculum

• Curricula should be practical and usefulCurricula should be practical and useful• Curricula should concentrate on the “Basics” and avoid Curricula should concentrate on the “Basics” and avoid

fads and frills.fads and frills.• Curricula should be highly organized, correlated and Curricula should be highly organized, correlated and

aligned throughout the scope and sequence offered by aligned throughout the scope and sequence offered by schoolsschools

• Curricula should be based upon pre-established Curricula should be based upon pre-established standards and criteria. standards and criteria.

• Curricula should be “experiential” whenever possibleCurricula should be “experiential” whenever possible

Role of the Role of the TeacherTeacher

• A Realist teacher should be a subject matter expert.A Realist teacher should be a subject matter expert.• A Realist teachers should be able to present material in A Realist teachers should be able to present material in

an organized and systematic way.an organized and systematic way.• A Realist teacher should be able to explain the lesson A Realist teacher should be able to explain the lesson

objectives in a way that is understandable to the learner.objectives in a way that is understandable to the learner.• A Realist teacher should be able to effectively assess A Realist teacher should be able to effectively assess

students in such a way that all students are challenged students in such a way that all students are challenged and motivated to learn.and motivated to learn.

• A Realist teacher should understand current research A Realist teacher should understand current research and technology and be able to utilize it in the classroom.and technology and be able to utilize it in the classroom.

PragmatismPragmatism

• A 20th Century Philosophy• Often considered to be the “American”

philosophy– William James– George Herbert Mead– John Dewey

• A 20th Century Philosophy• Often considered to be the “American”

philosophy– William James– George Herbert Mead– John Dewey

William James- Percepts & ConceptsWilliam James- Percepts & Concepts

William James- ConceptsWilliam James- Concepts

William James- PerceptsWilliam James- Percepts

William James- Making MeaningWilliam James- Making Meaning

John Dewey – Experience and

Education

Educationp. 19

The either/or of the two positions

Traditional Progressive

1 imposition from above

expression andcultivation ofindividuality

2 external discipline free activity

3 learning from text/teachers

learning throughexperience

4 acquire them as means ofby drill

attaining ends which makedirect vital appeal

5 prepare for remote future

make most of present

6 static aims and materials

awareness of changing