Chapter 8 Philosophical Foundations of Education in the
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Chapter 8: Philosophical Foundations of Education in the United States Your Introduction to Education: Explorations in Teaching, 2 e Sara Davis Powell © 2012, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Focus Questions n n What is a philosophy of education? What are the four branches of philosophy? How do five prominent philosophies of education affect teaching and learning? How do I begin to develop my personal philosophy of education? Your Introduction to Education: Explorations in Teaching, 2 e – Powell ISBN: 0137083734 8 -2 © 2012, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
What Is a Philosophy of Education? n n We all have philosophies that guide our decisions, attitudes, and actions. A teacher’s philosophy of education affects every decision about teaching. Your Introduction to Education: Explorations in Teaching, 2 e – Powell ISBN: 0137083734 8 -3 © 2012, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Why Is a Philosophy of Education Important? “Philosophy enters into every important decision about curriculum, teaching, instruction, and testing. The methods and materials a teacher chooses to use in a classroom reflects. . . philosophy. In short, choices reflect philosophy—and whether we recognize our own philosophy in education, it is out there and it influences our behavior and attitudes in classrooms and schools. ” Allan Ornstein (2003) Your Introduction to Education: Explorations in Teaching, 2 e – Powell ISBN: 0137083734 8 -4 © 2012, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Four Branches of Philosophy Branch of Philosophy Defining Questions Metaphysics What is Reality? Does Life have a purpose? Epistemology What is truth? How do we acquire knowledge? Axiology What is right, and what is wrong? What is beauty? Logic What makes sense? Is there a foundation for a particular argument? Your Introduction to Education: Explorations in Teaching, 2 e – Powell ISBN: 0137083734 8 -5 © 2012, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Philosophy Trees The discussion of each philosophy is accompanied by a diagram of a tree. The analogy of a philosophy of education to a tree is appropriate in many ways. The tree trunk represents teaching. The root system is a particular philosophy, or a combination of philosophies, of education providing the strength and foundation of the tree. The branches of the tree represent the work of teachers. Each trunkattached branch supports smaller branches with plentiful leaves that represent student learning. Your Introduction to Education: Explorations in Teaching, 2 e – Powell ISBN: 0137083734 8 -6 © 2012, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
My Favorite Teachers’ Philosophical Bents Teacher’s name Role of teacher Interactions with Students Your Introduction to Education: Explorations in Teaching, 2 e – Powell ISBN: 0137083734 Learning Environment 8 -7 Curriculum Instruction Alignment with what philosopy? © 2012, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Concluding Thoughts Thoughtful teachers who are not necessarily swayed by gimmicks and fads, who have basic beliefs about teaching and learning that guide their practice, and who can articulate the bases for decisions are teachers who will positively affect student learning throughout their careers. Your Introduction to Education: Explorations in Teaching, 2 e – Powell ISBN: 0137083734 8 -8 © 2012, 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.