WHY TEACH WHAT TO TEACH
Essentialism This philosophy contends that
teachers teach for learners to
acquire basic knowledge, skills,
and values.
Perennialism To develop the students’
rational and moral powers.
Belief in the primacy of reason
and in the human’s ability to
make rational judgments about
the goodness of things (Adler &
Hutchins).
Progressivism Progressivist teachers teach to
develop learners into becoming
enlightened and intelligent
citizens of a democratic society.
They teach learners so they
may live fully NOW not to
prepare them for adult life.
Existentialism To help students understand
and appreciate themselves as
unique individuals who accept
complete responsibility for their
thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Existence precedes essence.
Education of the whole person,
not just the mind.
Behaviorism Student’s behavior is a product
of his environment.
Reconstructionism
HOW TO TEACH
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 in
preparation for adult life. Curriculum
includes the traditional disciplines
such as math, natural sciences,
history, foreign language, and
literature.
The perennialist curriculum is a
universal one on the view that all
human beings possess the same
essential nature. Heavy on
humanities and general education.
Great Books.
Need-based and relevant
curriculum. This is a curriculum that
“responds to students’ needs and
that relates to students’ personal
lives and experiences.” More
concerned with teaching the
learners the skills to cope change.
Change is the only thing that does
not change. Natural and social
sciences. Teachers expose
students to many new scientific,
technological, and social
developments, reflecting the
progressivist notion that progress
and change are fundamental.
Gives a wide variety of options from
which to choose. Emphasis on the
humanities. Vocational education to
teach children about themselves
and their potentials. In the arts,
students are encouraged to
practice individual creativity and
imagination.
Teach students to respond
favorably to various stimuli in the
environment.
Essentialist teachers emphasize
mastery of subject matter. They
are expected to be intellectual
and moral models of their
students.
The perennialist classrooms are
“centred around teachers”. The
teachers do not allow the
students’ interests or experiences
to substantially dictate what they
teach. They apply whatever
creative techniques and other
tried and true methods which are
believed to be most conducive to
disciplining the students’ minds.
Progressivists teachers employ
experiential methods. They
believe that one learns by doing.
(John Dewey) Problem-solving
method makes use of the
scientific method. “Hands-on-
minds-on” teaching methodology
(e.g., field trips during which
students interact with nature or
society). Teachers also stimulate
students through thought-
provoking games and puzzles.
How to teach? Focuses on the
individual. Learning is self-paced,
self-directed. Individual contact
with the teacher. Teachers
remain non-judgmental and take
care not to impose their values
on the students; since values are
personal.
Arranges environmental
conditions so that students can
make the responses to stimuli.
e.g., well-managed classroom,
use of attention catchers and
incentives.