This document discusses the philosophical foundations of education in the United States. It begins by explaining why philosophy is important for teachers and defines philosophy as identifying basic truths about existence, knowledge, and ethics. The document then covers the main branches of philosophy and five modern philosophical orientations to teaching. Finally, it discusses how teachers can develop their own educational philosophy by reflecting on their beliefs about teaching, learning, students, and knowledge.
Introduction to Education, Chapter 4, Caprice Paduano
1. Caprice Paduano
Chapter 4
Philosophical Foundations of U.S. Education
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2. 1. Why is philosophy important to teachers?
2. What is the nature of philosophy?
3. What determines your educational philosophy?
4. What are the branches of philosophy?
5. What are five modern philosophical
orientations to teaching?
6. What psychological orientations have
influenced teaching philosophies?
7. How can you develop your educational
philosophy
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3. • Understanding of philosophy will enhance
professionalism
• Use as a guide for Professional Action
• Focuses efforts
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5. Beliefs about Teaching and Learning
Transmission of Knowledge
Construction of Knowledge
Beliefs about Students
Beliefs about Knowledge
Beliefs about What is worth knowing
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6. Metaphysics
explaining the nature of reality
Epistemology
explaining knowledge
Knowing based on:
Authority
Divine Revelation
Empiricism
Reason and Logic
Intuition
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7. Axiology
Explaining values
Ethics
Explaining morals
Aesthetics
Explaining values or art and beauty
Logic
Explaining reasoning
Deductive
Inductive
Socratic questioning
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8. Humanism
Personal freedom and responsibility determine learning
Behaviorism
Environment determines learning
Constructivism
Cognitive processes to construct learning
•Cognitive Science – study of mental processes
used in thinking and remembering
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9. Perennialism
Knowledge of unchanging principles or great ideas
Essentialism
Knowledge of core subjects
Progressivism
Knowledge from student’s interest
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10. Existentialism
Knowledge of what is important to the student
Postmodern--Knowledge that challenges historically
constructed views of reality
Social Reconstructionism
Knowledge about changing the social order
Critical Pedagogy – focus on how education can promote
social justice
Feminist Pedagogy – focus on creating caring communities of
engaged learners, collaboration and democracy for all
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11. 6. What sensory related environmental considerations are made (e.g. noise, lighting, over visual stimulation on
walls and spaces)?
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12. Eclectic Philosophy
unique blend of 2 or more philosophies
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