Philosophical and Psychological

Foundations
of Early Childhood Education

Essentialism
 Working Your Way Through the Pain
Bible Reading: Romans 8:26-30

We know that God causes everything to work together

for the good of those who love God and are called
according to his purpose for them. - Romans 8:28
DENIAL
ANGER
BARGAINING
DEPRESSION
ACCEPTANCE
 REFLECT:
What are those stages of grief all about?
Could you use that knowledge to help
yourself or a hurting friend?

PRAY:
Ask God for help in understanding the
swirl of emotions you or your hurting
friends face.
 Quick Recall
Essentialism Essentialists

is the educational philosophy of

teaching basic skills. This ❑ refers to basic education
philosophy advocates training ❑ believe in teaching the
the mind. basic subjects
 01
Essentialism
and
Curriculum
 ➢ Focused on what is ➢ focus on transmitting ➢ There will be a focus
necessary a series of on the basics of
foundational progressively difficult education and the
knowledge that topics and promotion classroom will be
students currently of students to the subject centered.
need. next level.

➢ All students offered the ➢ The teachers impart ➢ There will not be
same common knowledge mainly much tolerance for
curriculum. through conducting meeting needs or
lectures, during which understanding
students are expected differences among
to take notes. students.
➢ Reject subjects such
as art, music and ➢ Concerned with facts
physical education. and knowledge.
 02
Essentialism
and
Discipline
 ❑ Tough discipline

❑ Home work and serious

studies permeate the
curriculum
 03
Essentialism
and
Teacher
 Master of a particular subject and
a model worthy of emulation

An authority because of the knowledge and

high standard he/she holds

A person who hold control over the

classroom with minimal student input
 04
Essentialism
and
Aims of Education
To promote the intellectual growth of
individual

To educate the competent person

 05
Principles of
Essentialism
Essentialists' goals are to instill students with
the "essentials" of academic knowledge,
patriotism, and character development through
traditional (or back-to-basic) approaches.
This is to promote reasoning, train the mind,
and ensure a common culture for all Americans.
 06
Criticism of
Essentialism in
Education
What is so "right"
about Essentialism?

it provides a core of common knowledge and skills that productive citizens should
have via a systematic, disciplined manner (Parkay, Anctil, and Hass, 2006).

it provides solutions to problems through the emphasis of discipline and duty.

it places the main focus on knowledge and skills that all people should
possess, which should in return create a strong workforce and a society that
is literate and responsible.
What is so "wrong"
with Essentialism?

Minimal to no attention given to extracurricular activities, which places students

who learn and excel through extracurricular activities at a disadvantage.

No freedom of choice to students.

The lack of focus on the students, undermines student motivation which can be
fueled through interest (Ersek, 2008).
What is so "wrong"
with Essentialism?

Students begin to take a more passive role in their education because they
rely solely on teachers to impart knowledge (Ersek, 2008).

Lack of individual creativity among students (Ersek, 2008).

Key Critic:
John Dewey, who believed that motivation is an important factor in a child’s
learning process (Ersek, 2008).
Icebreaker
Questions
ENJOY!!!
Thanks!
Do you have any
questions?
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 Resources
● https://educationalresearchtechniques.com/2014/06/02/essentialism-
curriculum/
● https://cer.jhu.edu/files_ta/4_Major_Educational_Philosophies.pdf
● https://sites.google.com/site/thewikiprojectessentialism/home/essentia
lism-proponents-and-critics
● https://www.academia.edu/7740986/EDUCATION_AND_ESSENTIALISM_
by_JOSEPH_ONDEGO
● Educational philosophies (slideshare.net)