Exploring Two Educational Philosophies- The Challenge of Teaching How to Teach

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The next step, in the challenge I embarked in, became clear as I had to explore some of the most popular educational philosophies. The philosophies certainly inherit political involvement at their core which is inevitable.

An educational philosophy is a set of guiding principles about the approach, methodology and mission the educational system should undertake. These principles will have to handle and tackle many challenges such as how student learning and potential are most effectively maximized, as well as defining the role of educators in the classroom, school, community, and society.

Teachers usually have a unique set of principles and ideals which affects students and their development, not necessarily negatively but it is important that those principles and methods used have a temporal significance and direction relevant to the space and time in which it is implemented.

Let us explore two philosophies namely Essentialism and Progressivism.

Essentialism:

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Essentialism is a relatively conservative outlook on education. Its mission is to teach students the knowledge of its society and civilization through a centralized and uniform curriculum. It is very efficient at developing reasoning skills and ensuring a common culture within a specific society.

Students are taught to be practical and prepared to become valuable members of society. The curriculum focuses on facts and objective reality as students are taught to read, write, speak, and compute logically.

The values instilled are hard work, respect for authority, and discipline. Essentialism is very efficient at ensuring a common culture within a society.

“Everything that ever has been always will be, and everything that ever will be always has been.”
― Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Progressivism:

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Progressivism is the belief that education should focus on the child rather than on the curriculum. The student, in this philosophy, is the centre of interest, its individuality is valued and is considered as a unique entity.This educational philosophy pushes teachers to work and help students test ideas by active experimentation.

Through experiencing the world, learners, will push for more knowledge and attempt to answer questions that arise along their path. It encourages the student to become a problem solver and a free thinker capable of making sense and finding meaning through his or her individual experience in his surrounding and even the world.

The curriculum content is strictly derived from student interests and experiences. The core belief is that the school should improve the way and quality of life of our people through experiencing freedom starting in schools.

“A great democracy has got to be progressive or it will soon cease to be great or a democracy.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

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Please feel free to make additions in the comment section, your opinion matters.

Thanks for reading.
@mehdibca