ECLECTICISM

It is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a

single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple
theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or
applies different theories in particular cases. It can sometimes seem inelegant
or lacking in simplicity, and eclectics are sometimes criticized for lack of
consistency in their thinking. It is, however, common in many fields of study.
For example, mostpsychologists accept certain aspects of behaviorism, but do
not attempt to use the theory to explain all aspects of human behavior.
A statistician may use frequentist techniques on one occasion
and Bayesian ones on another. The word “eclectic” means deriving things from
a variety of sources.
ORIGIN
Eclecticism was first recorded to have been practiced by a group of
ancient Greek and Roman philosophers who attached themselves to no real
system, but selected from existing philosophical beliefs those doctrines that
seemed most reasonable to them. Out of this collected material they
constructed their new system of philosophy. The term comes from the Greek "
(eklektikos), literally "choosing the best" and that from (eklektos), "picked out,
select”. Well known eclectics in Greek philosophy were
the Stoics Panaetius and Posidonius, and the New
Academics Carneades and Philo of Larissa. Among the Romans, Cicero was
thoroughly eclectic, as he united the Peripatetic, Stoic, and New Academic
doctrines. Further eclectics were Varroand Seneca.
ARCHITECTURE AND ART
The term eclecticism is used to describe the combination, in a single
work, of elements from different historical styles, chiefly in architecture and, by
implication, in the fine and decorative arts. The term is sometimes also loosely
applied to the general stylistic variety of 19th century architecture after Neo-
classicism (1820), although the revivals of styles in that period have, since the
1970s, generally been referred to as aspects of historicism.
Eclecticism plays an important role in critical discussions and
evaluations but is somehow distant from the actual forms of the artifacts to
which it is applied, and its meaning is thus rather indistinct. The simplest
definition of the term—that every work of art represents the combination of a
variety of influences—is so basic as to be of little use. In some ways Eclecticism
is reminiscent of Mannerism in that the term was used pejoratively for much of
the period of its currency, although, unlike Mannerism, Eclecticism never
amounted to a movement or constituted a specific style: it is characterized
precisely by the fact that it was not a particular style.
PSYCHOLOGY
 Eclecticism is recognized in approaches to psychology that see many
factors influencing behavior and the psyche, and among those who consider all
perspectives in identifying, changing, explaining, and determining behavior.
MARTIAL ARTS
Some martial arts can be described as eclectic in the sense that they
borrow techniques from a wide variety of other martial arts. The martial art
system developed by Bruce Lee, calledJeet Kune Do, is classified as an eclectic
system. It favors borrowing freely from other systems within a free floating
framework. As with other disciplines that incorporate eclecticism, Jeet Kune
Do's philosophy does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of
assumptions or conclusions, but encourages students to learn what is useful
for themselves.
PHILOLOGY
In textual criticism, eclecticism is the practice of examining a wide
number of text witnesses and selecting the variant that seems best. The result
of the process is a text with readings drawn from many witnesses. In a purely
eclectic approach, no single witness is theoretically favored. Instead, the critic
forms opinions about individual witnesses, relying on both external and
internal evidence.
Since the mid-19th century, eclecticism, in which there is no a
priori bias to a single manuscript, has been the dominant method of editing the
Greek text of the New Testament(currently, the United Bible Society, 4th
edition. and Nestle-Aland, 27th edition.). Even so, the oldest manuscripts,
being of the Alexandrian text-type, are the most favored, and the critical text
has an Alexandrian disposition.
PHILOSOPHY
In philosophy, Eclectics use elements from multiple philosophies, texts
and life experiences own philosophical ideas. These ideas include life as
connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
RELIGION
In religion, Eclectics use elements from multiple religions, applied
philosophies, personal experiences or other texts and dogma to form their own
beliefs and ideas, noting the similarities between existing systems and
practices, and recognizing them as valid. These ideas include life, karma,
the afterlife, God and Goddess, the Earth, and other spiritual ideas. Eclectics
are most interested in what really works, personally and communally.
ECLECTIC APPROACH
In the move away from teachers following one specific methodology, the
eclectic approach is the label given to a teacher's use of techniques and
activities from a range of language teaching approaches and methodologies.
The teacher decides what methodology or approach to use depending on the
aims of the lesson and the learners in the group. Almost all modern course
books have a mixture of approaches and methodologies.
Example:
          The class starts with an inductive activity with learners identifying the
different uses of synonyms of movement using a reading text. They then
practice these using TPR. In another class the input is recycled through a task-
based lesson, with learners producing the instructions for an exercise manual.
          In the classroom a typical lesson might combine elements from various
sources such as TPR and TBL (the examples); the communicative approach,
e.g. in communication gap activities; the lexical approach, e.g. focusing on
lexical chunks in reading; and the structural-situational approach, e.g.
establishing a clear context for the presentation of new structures.
A person with an eclectic taste in music likes music of many different
types, selected from a wide variety of musical genres. An eclectic approach
would be one using a variety of methods of approaching/ tackling/ addressing/
dealing with a subject /problem /challenge/ task.
ECLECTIC THERAPY
It is a style of therapy that uses techniques drawn from several different schools of
thought. At one time, most therapists rigidly adhered to a single style, but today eclectic
therapy is the most common. It is a more flexible approach that allows the therapist to
adapt to each client’s individual needs.
Some therapists adhere largely to a single orientation, such as psychoanalysis or
cognitive-behavioral theory, but use eclectic techniques as needed. Others self-identify as
eclectic in orientation, utilizing whichever techniques work best in any given situation.
Either way, it is important that the therapist possesses a solid understanding of
each theory for which techniques are being used. Finding a Therapist provides tips on
choosing and screening a potential therapist.

FOUR LOGICAL REASONS TO USE ECLECTIC INSTRUCTION

    a) We want students to learn a wide variety of ideas (Conceptual Knowledge) and skills
(Procedural Knowledge);
    b) Different approaches are useful for teaching various aspects of these ideas-and-skills;
    c) Usually there are diminishing returns for each type of instructional approach (as
described in an 80-20 Principle),
    d) Students' characteristics vary in many ways (in their learning preferences, abilities to
experience success with various types of instruction,..) and we want to match the
characteristics of more students with at least one of our teaching styles.
These four factors contribute to a logical conclusion:
     Therefore we should try to design eclectic instruction by combining the best features of
each approach in a blend that produces an optimal overall result - a greatest good for the
greatest number -in helping students achieve worthy educational goals.
GENERAL EDUCATION
          Although sometimes the rhetoric of enthusiasts makes it seem they are claiming “if
some is good, more would be better, and all would be best” (where "all" is the approach
they advocate), most educators agree that we should avoid the uncreative restrictions of
rigid either-or thinking, because eclectic instruction usually works best, especially in the
long run.  But we can disagree about details - about how to "combine the best of each
approach in a blend that produces an optimal overall result" - if we differ in how to define
goals (for the best "overall result") or how to achieve goals (using the best blend of
approaches).
          An 80-20 principle states that, in many situations but not all, roughly 80% of the
total possible value comes from the best 20%.  For instruction, we can ask if "the best
20%" is the first 20%. (Or 10%, 40%... because it's a rough general principle)   If there
are diminishing returns for each instructional approach, this supports the wisdom of
using balanced eclectic combinations.
ECLECTIC INSTRUCTION
When we ask “how should we design instruction for maximum learning of worthy
ideas-and-skills?” Most of us will agree that instruction should include all three ways to
learn.  How should they be combined?  Regarding our uses of each approach, instead of
wondering “whether” we should ask “when (re: contexts & timings), how (re: techniques),
and why (re: goals)?”  Our disagreements about details can lead to productive discussions
about "how to define goals (for the best 'overall result') and how to achieve goals (using the
best 'blend of approaches')."
EXECUTION OR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECLECTIC TECHNIQUE
In the Eclectic method children are believed to be the unique individuals
and appropriate technique is applied for every single learner. This technique
requires curriculum that is creative, innovative, and imaginative. It provides
every student an opportunity to grow and develop in quite natural
environment. This approach is heterogeneous and breaks monotony with
variety of learning materials, methods and techniques.
It keeps student involved in the learning without stress and fears. They
are specially benefited by this technique as they are provided an opportunity to
give vent to their emotions.
ADVANTAGES OF ECLECTIC APPROACH
  It is the nature of man that he likes change. He wants new and novel ways in
every field of work. The same is the case with learning process. Learners always
like something new and exciting. This approach is broad and may include every
kind of learning activity and saves learner from monotony.
  It is more appropriate for Pre School learning but not less beneficial in the class
rooms.
  It is helpful in all kinds of skills in stimulating a creative environment and gives
confidence to the learners. In this approach children discovers and instill good
ways of learning.
  Above all this approach gives a chance to our common sense to mould and
shape our method according to the circumstances and available materials of
teaching aids.
  These days, parents of first-time preschoolers are faced with the dilemma: where to enroll
their kids. With all the existing teaching methods offered in schools, we can imagine how
difficult choosing the right one is.
  The Eclectic Method is explained here by Nelle S. Ricardo, school directress of
The Children’s House International School (CHINS) in Marikina City and a
specialist in Early Childhood Education & SPED (Special Education)
PHILOSOPHY
According to Teacher Nelle, the Eclectic method is a combination of different
learning approaches, "Or, may I say, it is a variety of teaching methods and curricula to
accomplish educational goals." She says this method effectively works for preschoolers and
can be applied for elementary grade-schoolers and up as well. "The teacher-student ratio is
a minimum of 10-15 to one teacher and one assistant teacher," she describes. "We adjust
our present technologies education to the environment so that learning will not become
boring."
She believes that learning should be fun and innovative due to the unique nature
and capabilities of each child. "We cannot expect from them to have all reached the same
level at the same time. So we need to be creative in using different approaches to capture
the learning interest and curiosity of the learners young or old."
Teacher Nelle considers that the most practical approach a school can adopt is the
Eclectic method because it is when "teachers combine different strengths from different
philosophies most of the time, use their own unique theory, creativity, and vision."
"In the Eclectic approach, the teacher plays and communicates with your child. It is
the way your child has of making sense of the world in which the child lives, and of
developing the child’s skills – emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically."
IMPLEMENTATION
At CHINS, the Eclectic method was adopted based on the belief that children
should be valued as unique individuals. "And to promote this belief, we chose this method
of teaching so that we can apply individually what we feel is appropriate for each child,"
says Teacher Nelle.
"That is why we have a curriculum that is creative, innovative, and imaginative. We
provide guided opportunities so that kids can explore with their senses as many
experiences as possible, freeing them to grow and develop in a natural and positive
manner."
 She adds that the Eclectic method of teaching in a school is just like a fitness
center. "If the trainer...just puts you on a treadmill, then keeping yourself fit and striving
for a good body will be a boring task. It will be harder to reach your goal due to
monotonous activities. But if you have variety, then you’re more likely to achieve what you
are aiming for."
In addition, they see play as an important part of their approach because it
"enables children to deal with stress and cope with fears they can’t yet understand or
express," points out Teacher Nelle. "Today’s young children are exposed to so much so
early and must cope with more than their predecessors ever did." Thus, play gives them
the necessary emotional release which helps them make sense of everything they’re
experiencing.
Moreover, play stimulates creative imagination. "So instead of doing only what is
required to fulfill their schoolwork tasks, they invest extra mental effort to pursue their
own goals for learning," she expounds. "These concepts are also organized in a thematic
set-up incorporating the various and developmental learning areas and activities
appropriate for the age level of the child."
BENEFITS
"Students nowadays always want something new and exciting," she states. "So
learning should not be boring and stressful." Based on Teacher Nelle’s teaching
experience, she says their students enjoy going to school. "They love the environment and
are excited what they are going to learn for the day. They have a positive concept of what a
school is learning becomes easier for them."
The Eclectic approach, according to her, is very appropriate for their preschoolers
as it represents a chance for the children to develop all the essential early life skills "by
learning in a creative and stimulating environment and gaining the confidence to fulfill
their potentials as learners."
As they are working towards developing the said skills in their students, Teacher
Nelle says they run a program known as the ‘process-centered’ approach where they place
great importance on the courses of action by which children discover and learn. "If we can
instill good ways of learning things now, it will certainly help them in their efforts at school
and all through life."
CONCLUSION
Eclectic is composed of material gathered from various systems,
doctrines, or sources. Eclectic method simply utilizes the best of all educational
models, tailoring that mixture to the individual child in order to best meet his
needs. Borrowingfrom textbooks, library books, workbooks, manipulatives,
online courses, games, projects, eclectic method is a hodge-podge of
homeschooling systems. Why is Eclectic Method Suited to Learners? Because
Researchers in the field of special education recommend a curriculum tailored
to the individual child’s needs and abilities. Flexible,  Maximizes child’s
passions for learning,  Accommodates child’s learning style , Facilitates
acceleration for the child’s gifts , Accomodates disabilities .
The eclectic approach is the label given to a teacher's use of techniques
and activities from a range of language teaching approaches and
methodologies. The teacher decides what methodology or approach to use
depending on the aims of the lesson and the learners in the group. Almost all
modern course books have a mixture of approaches and methodologies. The
advantages of an eclectic method is safety, interst, diversity and flexibility.

http://sociallyeclectical.blogspot.com/