Philosophies and Theories of Education

There are four general philosophical views that can be applied to the world of education.  These world views find very strong connections to educational philosophies.  Each world view has an educational counterpart derived from the core foundations.

• Idealism is the approach that centers on the truth and true reality.  It almost seems to be the idea of attaining the best or ideal part of a situation.  Idealist philosophies are most closely linked with the Perennialist philosophy in education.  It is about developing the individual learners ability.  Teaching using this philosophy  means using lecture, discussion, and discovering new knowledge.
• Realism examines the concept that reality and the human mind are independent of each other.  Realist education focuses on math and sciences using the development of our mastery of facts and basic skills.  This focus is also the focus of the education based Essentialism philosophy.  This type of education focuses on critical thinking, observation, and experimentation. 
• Pragmatism takes the approach that reality constantly changes.  Educators taking this path in education are focused on the Progressivism philosophy.  They believe that we learn best through applying our experiences and thoughts to problems.  Schools emphasizing this train of thought focus on subject matter of social experience, hands-on engagement, experimentation, and application of experiences.
• Existentialism relies on the individual and individual choice/standards are central to the choices that are made.  This would mean allowing more individual freedom and personal expression and choices in the classroom.  This existenialist attitude is where the Reconstructionism philosophy in education finds a connection.  Reconstructionism examines social questions and tries to create a better society and world through social reform.

Analyzing these ideas has me looking at these world views and wondering where I fit as an educator. I see my educational reality fitting in more of a pragmatist point of view.  I what my students to master information and to understand how to develop basic educational skills to a mastery level.  I also think that it is important to educate students on how to critically think, make observations, and experiment.  I think a lot of education is about teaching students how to master, but at the same time learn how to develop on their own.  At the same time, I think that pragmatism also finds itself in my philosophy on education.  Our personal experiences shape who we are and in many ways can become a huge learning opportunity.  As educators and learners, observing our surroundings and experimenting makes our education more personal and enriching.

As teaching has progressed over time, the emphasis on what is important seems to change and evolve.  History tends to move in trends.  Education can take the same approach.  Just as history goes through cycles and we see repetition, education does the same thing.  It is almost like education is a trend.  What is popular now may not be for the next generation.  Right now it seems that we could find a school that fits every one of these trains of thought; some being more popular than others.