Name: Vethiya D/O Krishnan

Matric Number: M20211001319

Question: What are the differences between perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, and
reconstructionism?

Educational Philosophy Difference

1. Perennialism  focuses the curriculum of classical
subjects, literary analysis and
considers curriculum as continuous.
 The classroom is teacher-centered
and pupils’ interest or experiences
will not be taken into consideration.
2. Essentialism  Strives to ensure that students
acquire a common core of
knowledge in a systematic,
disciplined way.
 Essential skills (three R’s) and
essential subjects (English, science,
history, math, and foreign languages
3. Progressivism  focus on the whole child, rather than
on the content or the teacher. It
stresses that students should test
ideas by active experimentation.
 Based on students’ interests;
addresses human problems and
affairs; interdisciplinary subject
matter; activities and projects
4. Reconstructionism  emphasizes the addressing of social
questions to create a better society
and worldwide democracy.
 Teacher serves as an agent of change
and reform; acts as a project director
and research leader; aids pupils to be
more aware of the social issues.