THE TEACHING PROFESSION

5 PHILOSOPHIES OF EDUCATION
1. ESSENTIALISM
2. PROGRESSIVISM
3. PERENNIALISM
4. EXISTENTIALISM
5. BEHAVIORISM

ESSENTIALISM-

 Theory that states the children should learn the traditional basic
subjects and should be learned thoroughly and rigorously.
 Teach learners to acquire basic knowledge, skills and values.
 ‘’ Not to radically reshape society’ but rather to ‘’ transmit the
traditional moral values and intellectual knowledge that students
need to become model citizens.
 Students to learn basic skills or the fundamental R’s {reading, riting,
rithmetic, right conduct] as these are essential to the acquisition of
higher or more complex skills needed preparation for adult life.
 Essentialist curriculum includes the ‘’traditional disciplines such as
math, natural science, history, foreign language and literature.
HOW TO TEACH
Essentialist teachers emphasize mastery of subject matter. Expected to be
intellectual and moral model of their students. They are seen as fountain of ‘’fountain
of information’’ ‘’paragon of virtue’’ ‘’ core requirements’’.
They rely on use of prescribe textbook. There is a heavy stress on memorization and
discipline.
PROGRESSIVISM-
 Believe that education should focus on the whole child rather than the
teacher.
  Stresses that students should ideas by active experimentation.
 Teach to develop learners into becoming enlightened and intelligent
citizens of a democratic society.
 To prepare for adult life.
 Curriculum that ‘’ responds to students ‘’ ‘’and relates to students’’
 Teachers expose student to scientific , technological, and social
development.
 Student solve problems in the classroom similar to they will outside of the
schoolhouse.

HOW TO TEACH
Employ experiential methods, for JOHN DEWY the most popular advocate of
progressivist, book learning is no substitute for actual experience, teachers heavily rely
on is the problem -solving method. ‘’ hands-on-minds-on’’ teacher use fieldtrip during
which students interacts with nature and society,. Also stimulate students through
provoking games and puzzles.

PERRENIALISM-
 Focus of education should be the ideas that have lasted over
centuries.
 According to Aristotle ‘’if we neglect the students reasoning skills,
we deprive them of the ability to use their higher faculties to control
their passion and appetites.
 Perennialism curriculum is a universal one on the view that all human
being possess the same essential nature.
 Mortimer Adler claims that the great books of ancient and medieval
as well as modern time repository of knowledge and wisdom, a
tradition of culture which must initiate generation.

HOW TO TEACH
Perennials classroom are ‘’ centered around teachers’’ the teachers do
not allow students interest or experience to substantially dictate what
they teach. Apply creative techniques and other true methods which
most conductive to discipline the students minds.

EXISTENTIALISM-
 Focuses on the individual, seeking out a personal understanding
of the world.
 Thus individual characterizes for himself or herself the cocept of
reality, truth and goodness,
 To provide pathway for students to explore their own values,
meaning, and choices.
 Help student to understand and appreciate themselves as unique
individuals who accept complete responsibility for their thoughts ,
feeling and actions.
 Help students define their own essence.
 In an existentialist curriculum, students are given a wide variety of
option from which to choose.
 Provide students with vicarious experiences that will help unleash
their own creativity and self expression.

HOW TO TEACH
Focus on individual, learning is self paced, self directed.
Teachers remain non judgmental and take care not to impose
their values on their students since values are personal.

BEHAVIORISM-
 Also be thought of as a form of classroom management.
 Shaping student behavior by providing for a favorable
environment.
 Teacher teach students to respond favorably to various stimuli
in the environment.
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