Name:Ken Mwangi

Course:PGDE

Unit: Curriculum Development

Reg no:021/07494

Assignment 2
The three main traditional Philosophies from which education philosophicies can be drawn are::

 Idealism

 Realism

 Pragmatism

Idealism

Its main proponent was in plato.It adovacates for what is real and permanent.According to this
philosophy, education is the process of development of a person, his/her conscious and spiritual self.
The ultimate responsibility for learning rests with learners. The school exists to develop character,
increase knowledge, and cultivate aesthetic taste. The teacher is expected to be a model, friend, and
guide to the learners.

Realism

According to this theory,the things/objects we see exist by themselves without human

intervention.The following principles are therefore upheld:

 the principle of independence of matter,

 the principle of orderliness of the world behind its organization, this means that law and
order prevail in the universe,

 the principle of the world as real as discovered by the scientists.

Pragmatism

Pragmatists propose a curriculum based on problems that arise out of daily living. School is therefore
an extension of home and community

From the above main philosophies we can examine the educations system in kenya with education
philosophicies arising from the above discussed.
Existentialism

This education philosophy believes that a man is what he makes of himself.it advocates for personal
choices.this education philosophy has been adopted in both 8-4-4 system and the new CbC
curriculum.In secondary schools,the 8-4-4 system gives the student s limited choice to chose a
specialization.in the new cbc system,the students talents are natured from an early age and they
will have a choice on which route to follow.Curriculum should have a broad range of subject matter
from which learners can choose.

Perennialism

This can mostly be associated with early curriculum in kenya before the 8-4-4 system.this school of
thought believes that education should be the same for everyone.it believes in teaching perennial
universal truths.it stresses of teaching of individual subjects without combining them.this school of
thought has been partially used in development of 8-4-4 system in primary schools where students
have no choice of interest and have to learn all basic subjects.Perennialism draws from both idealism
and realism.

Essentialism

is also on the major traditional philosophies of idealism and realism. Essentialist’s educational aims
are to develop intellectual powers, as well as educate competent persons. Schools should therefore
not be side-tracked into catering to the personal problems and social needs of students. Cultural
heritage needs should be considered for curriculum making. Essential skills especially reading,
writing, and arithmetic and academic subjects such as English, science, and mathematics are given
priority in the education process with an emphasis on mastery of concepts and principles of subject-
matter.This school of thought is mainly used in kenyan 8-4-4 system in both primary and secondary
where English,math,kiswahili and religious studies are compulsory subjects.

Progressivism

Progressivism is one of the educational philosophies originating from pramagatism.Besides Dewey’s

contribution, other scholars in this area include Montessori, Cornelius, and Rousseau. Their studies
and research were geared towards identifying the most appropriate type and nature of curriculum
for learners.Progressivists education seeks to promote democratic schooling as well as social living.
The other major emphasis is on a child or learner-centered curriculum. The curriculum therefore is
based on the learners’ interests, needs, abilities, and aspirations, among other characteristics of the
learners.this education philosophy that can be associated withe newly adopted cbc curriculum in
kenya primary and secondary schools which emphasize on cultivating on students interests and
talents.it incorporate conginitive and co-cullicular curlliculums

Progressive education curriculum emphasized five approaches to the teaching/learning process,

namely:
  teacher-pupil planning of curriculum activities,

 flexible curriculum and individualized instruction,

 learner-centered teaching and learning methodology.

Selection of study material in line with the expressed interests and concerns of the learner. Non-
formal curriculum activities and physical training in areas like games, related hobbies, and other co-
curricular areas.