Republic of the Philippines

Western Philippines University

A STRONG PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

COURSE: Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration

SUBJECT: EDUC 301: Philosophical Foundation of Administration
TOPIC: Reflection on Behaviorism and Education
DISCUSSANT: DIANA L. MARCELO
PROFESSOR: DR. LOVINA A. HAMORA

Comparatively idealism and realism both are classic but two different
doctrines of education. One is symbolist (Idealism) and the other is materialistic
(realism) The source of knowledge in idealism is taken from the past literature that
is usually abstract type of knowledge stressing the concept of supernatural
(Metaphysical) phenomenon where the idealists focus upon the picture of an object
in one’s ideas. The teacher in the idealistic approach is autocratic who has more
knowledge and pedagogical strength then the pupil. He/she has to select the
content and learning experiences for whatever he/she thinks is suitable and in
effective for the students.
. On the other hand, the idealism has fully stressed upon the objects and their ideas
on the human mind. Both the philosophies have to well furnish the students’
cognitive strength that is useful to prepare him for the life and its challenges. The
teacher in idealism has to face the pupil and to engage him in the discussion in
his/her selected topic. The student learns by the discussion. This method is known
as ‘Debate’ or Socratic Method.
While Realists place enormous emphasis upon critical reason aided by observation
and experimentation. Realists support the lecture method and other formal ways of
teaching. The teacher lectures and the learner has a role of passive and obedient
listener. The learning experiences or content in the idealism is chosen situational
regarding the need of the learner where in the idealism these learning experiences
are chosen from the literature that have been written by the great philosophers in
the past. The learner in the realistic approach is a passive factor that has to follow
the teacher whatever the teacher says. He/she is a gentle and obedient in front of
the teacher. The learner has to inculcate as much as he/she can and also can
express his inculcated knowledge. He is a hardworking pupil. The same in idealism
but here the learner is comparatively more active than that of the realism. The
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Republic of the Philippines
Western Philippines University
A STRONG PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

pupil can take participation in the discussion and debates. Realists are basically
conservative people who follow the conventions of the society and thus, are more
secure socially. Idealists, on the other hand, are nonconformists who are most
likely to revolt against the set norms. Idealism is a theory of the futurists. While,
realism is the theory, of the people who live in the present. Idealists aim for
perfection. They set high goals for themselves and others. They believe that
humans have vast potential, which should be harnessed properly to achieve
excellence. Realists, on the other hand, settle for mediocrity. Realists only aim for
achievable targets. That is why, to expect something extraordinary from them is out
of question. Idealism is very impractical in today's world. Idealists are basically
dreamers, who only look for a paragon and that too in the future. Since they are out
of touch with reality, they are most liable to fail. Realists, on the other hand, are
more grounded in reality and are better prepared to deal with the world around
them.

Rafols Road, Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan 5300

www.wpu.edu.ph ● wpu.edu@gmail.com ● Mobile: +639193836791