Philosophy of Education

In life, it is essential to understand who you are as a person, what you believe in and what you
hold to be real. These values are important because they dictate what you do in your life and how you
act and react to situations that you may face. This concept holds no less importance or value in the
profession of teaching. Who you are as a person and what you believe in controls what you will be like
as a teacher. Your understanding of the philosophy of education is essential because it leads to how you
present yourself, your material and how you develop your students—figuring out what your personal
philosophy helps you understand what kind of teacher you want to be.

There are four traditional philosophies and five contemporary philosophies of education. Sometimes a
teacher can have one main philosophy that suits them perfectly. It is also possible that a teacher may
combine two philosophies that they feel are consistent with their beliefs. The five contemporary
philosophies of education are progressivism, perennialism, essentialism, reconstructionalism, and
existentialism. These philosophies evolved and broadened from the four traditional views of philosophy
to shape the different styles of teachers in today’s schools. The traditional philosophies are idealism,
realism, naturalism, and pragmatism. These philosophies evolved as a result of the changing landscapes
of teaching.

When trying to understand what type of philosophy you as a teacher want to categorize and
substantially implicate into your teaching, it is essential to find out who you are as a person. What is
important to you in life, how you learn best, how you think others can learn best and what is real to you
are all important questions. I feel I fall into two main philosophies, progressivism and existentialism.
Progressivism is the philosophy that says ideas should be tested to find their truths. This philosophy also
says the value of questions from students are significant because it leads to learning. Progressivism
involves both cross-discipline learning and problem-solving in its instruction. It states that learning
occurs best when students are involved and experiencing ideas for themselves. In existentialism, self-
actualization, or knowing who you are before learning, is very important. Free will, free choice, and
expressing one's feelings are essential aspects of existentialism. I feel like I best identify myself with
these two philosophies for many reasons.

I have always thought of myself as someone who incorporates different aspects and experiences into
what I do. I enjoy studying those things that I find exciting and engaging. I would encourage my students
to speak out on their interests, concerns, ideas, and comments in my classroom. As a teacher, I would
try to find out what my students enjoy and feel is essential. I think this way because it is much easier to
relate to and compare certain subjects when you understand different aspects of learning or disciplines.
I feel this side of my personality is suited well by existentialism and progressivism. Another aspect that
has driven me to my philosophical beliefs is my own experience in the classroom. Aside from the two
philosophies, other aspects are also essential in life and teaching.
By learning the different philosophies, a teacher will be able to view and analyze from the perspective of
their students. Understanding the different philosophies will help in adapting better teaching strategies
resulting in improved results. It will also ensure that students retain their knowledge and develop a
sense of values and ethics.