Explain the focus of study and the teacher's role in each of the following educational philosophies: essentialism, progressivism, perennialism, social reconstructionism, and existentialism. As part of your answer, also indicate the key figure(s) associated with each approach. Which philosophy seems most consistent with your own beliefs? Explain

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANS: Essentialism (William Bagley) focuses on the core knowledge that students need to be educated citizens, grounded in traditional academic disciplines. The teacher is a central figure, transferring knowledge to students. Progressivism (John Dewey) focuses on integrating study with real-life experiences through active learning and experimentation. The teacher's role is to structure learning activities and encourage students to explore ideas. Perennialism (Mortimer Adler) suggests that the enduring ideas that can be found in the great works of literature and art are should be the focus of education. As in essentialism, the teacher's role is central; however, the teacher engages students in dialogue and reasoning rather than merely transferring knowledge. Social reconstructionism (Paolo Freire) presents schools as places to promote social and political reform. Instruction focuses on critical thinking about social problems and the need for change. Existentialism (Soren Kierkegaard and Jean Paul Sartre) is the most student-centered of these educational philosophies. Students choose their own course of study as part of an effort to seek the meaning of their own existence. The teacher supports this process. Responses to the last portion will vary, .but will most probably combine progressivism with perennialism.