TEACHING TOOL FOR PHILOSOPHY
There are multiple educational philosophies that have shaped teaching and learning in various school settings in the past. Several of these philosophies and concomitant theories continue to influence educational practices today. It is important to explore educational philosophy to equip educators with understanding for future experience in a school setting and to discern how educational philosophy aligns with a biblical worldview for practical application.
By constructing a teaching tool for philosophy, based on examination of an assigned educational philosophy, you will discover educational aims as well as theoretical assumptions that are nestled within an educational philosophy. Furthermore, you will critically comprehend how viewpoints related to metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, and logic guide application of the philosophy in particular school settings. Finally, the teaching tool will assist you to analyze correspondence between personal beliefs and values and the assigned educational philosophy.
Choose a specific educational philosophy and become familiar with it. You must choose one of the seven designated educational philosophies listed below.
- Behaviorism
- Essentialism
- Existentialism
- Perennialism
- Progressivism
- Reconstructionism
- Scholasticism
Before creating your teaching tool for philosophy, become familiar with your chosen educational philosophy by:
• Reading your textbook
• Visiting several websites on the topic
• Checking sources from the library
Suggestions for teaching tools:
• Create a handout
• Create a newsletter
• Create an outline
• Develop a glossary
• Develop a mnemonic device
• Develop a PowerPoint presentation
Sample Answer
- Perennialism: This philosophy emphasizes the importance of transmitting the great books and ideas of Western civilization to students. Perennialists believe that there are universal truths that are timeless and unchanging, and that these truths can be found in the great works of literature, philosophy, and religion.
- Essentialism: This philosophy focuses on the essential knowledge and skills that all students need to know in order to be successful in life. Essentialists believe that there is a core curriculum that all students should study, regardless of their individual interests or abilities.