Educational Philosophies

      Educational philosophies will vary between each individual educator. The way these philosophies impact a classroom setting will depend on the specific philosophy. After taking the inventory assessment, I found that the philosophy I most related to was social reconstructionism. I personally find importance in students recognizing social injustices and inequality within society. Naturally I want my students to be able to learn basic core material, but I do not believe that we are raising future workers; I don't believe in the idea that students should be taught just to gain work in their future. It is important that students are able to have a firm grasp on their personal values, even if said values go against what is considered traditional. Students should also be involved in their learning process as they are sure to know what method works best for them. I also believe in the idea that students should be able to learn histories of all origins, not just the traditional ones. This ties in to the idea of multiculturalism.

     Social reconstructionism may not be a philosophy that all teachers will adopt in their classroom setting. Some teachers may find themselves leaning more towards essentialism. William C. Bagley was an advocate for said philosophy. He believed in the idea that education was not made to change society but preserve it. Essentialism is a common practices in American schools. It is the belief of teaching core material so that students may move up as they process essential information. All of the philosophies seen in today's education system will affect how children develop their skills beyond the classroom. These philosophies can impact the way the world functions as time goes on. It may seem like a dramatic statement, but each philosophy will have a different effect from the others.

Comments

  1. Catarina MartinezOctober 8, 2021 at 11:47 AM

    Hi Payton! I loved your post and the important points that you brought to light. I think social reconstructionism is a great philosophy to go by. I hate that were were not taught about matters concerning social injustices. The idea that children should not learn about these things because they are bad and scary is completely outdated and creates such a false reality for kids. I believe that we need to be taught what is going on in the world, no matter how awful it is, because that is real life. We do not live in a perfect fantasy where bad things never happen. I think that teaching kids young will crate strong adults in the future who are able to form their own beliefs based on their thoughts and opinions. I know I have struggled with that now, I have so many opinions and truths, the things I think are right but I have no idea how to go about them because I was never taught. Payton, your students will be so lucky to have you as a teacher and they may not realize it at the time but when they're older they will. You are going to create some strong and intellectual students. Great post!
    -Catarina :)

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    1. Payton JonesOctober 10, 2021 at 10:53 AM

      Hi Catarina! I wanted to start off by saying how much I appreciate the last few sentences of your reply; they really meant the absolute world to me. Thank you so much! I too remember that we never touched on social injustices in any of my classes. We were to learn the basic aspects of history and move on. I wanted to learn more about what people stood up for and believed in, and not just the United States either! You're absolutely right- we do not live in a perfect fantasy world. That is why it is so important to show children that issues can be resolved and it is ok to question previous beliefs.

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  2. Jordan LesakOctober 8, 2021 at 5:58 PM

    Reading your blog reminded me a lot of the video in the module about taking the school system to court. I can totally agree that I never want to treat students like they are future factory workers and just prepare them strictly for work. I think that some transferable skills should be taught but not ones that are strictly for a factory workers line. I think that students philosophies should also take a day in the classroom because it has to do with their core self. I like progressivism better but some student might be leaning more towards essentialism. It just matters how you treat their and your own beliefs! If we understand that everyone has different beliefs and opinions then learning will be much more appreciated and functional. Plus there can be much collaboration to learn of others philosophies! Anyhow I loved your blog on this topic and it will leave great room for discussions!

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    1. Payton JonesOctober 10, 2021 at 10:56 AM

      Hi Jordan! I completely agree with you. It is important for people to develop their own beliefs on what works best for them in that specific scenario. I just have very strong opinions on how students should be treated in daily life I suppose!! Every philosophy has a different and unique perspective to it and I would love to hear from someone with that perspective so perhaps I could understand better.

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    2. LeahOctober 10, 2021 at 3:10 PM

      I absolutely agree, I think that many teachers do lean towards essentialism when teacher, although it is very important for teachers to have their students learn basic knowledge things that can be universal such as reading and writing, It is also very important for teachers to implement other teachings that are relevant, including learning about themselves and their own values and beliefs. Both essentialism and progressivism should go hand in hand in the classroom.

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