PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY

BAYAMBANG CAMPUS
College of Teacher Education
A.Y. 2022-2023

Discussant
Alex Andrea Carreon
Lory Jean S. Pimentel

Introduction to Society, Community and Education

Defining the Basic Concept
UNIT 1 – Society and Education

I. Introduction
Education or school is an institution created by society. Education is a
function of society and as such arises from the nature and character of society itself.
Society seeks to preserve itself and to do this it maintains functions and institutions, one
of which is education, to assure its survival, stability and convenience. This module
focuses on society as a context upon which the schools have been established.
Philosophical and Sociological philosophies that are related to the society as a foundation
of schools and schooling are emphasized. Further, principles and theories on school
culture, social, and organizational leadership are included to prepare prospective
teachers to become school leaders and managers.

II. Body/Content

1. SOCIETY
a. An organized group of persons associated together for religious, benevolent,
cultural, scientific, patriotic, or other purposes;
b. A body of individuals living as members of a community; community;
c. The body of human beings generally, associated or viewed as members of a
community;
d. A highly structured system of human organization for large scale community
living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security and a national
identity for its members;
e. Such a system characterized by its dominant economic class or form.

2. COMMUNITY
a. a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share
government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.
b. a locality inhabited by such a group.
c. a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics
or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from
the larger society within which it exists:

3. EDUCATION
 a. is a social institution through which a society’s children are taught basic
academic knowledge, learning skills, and cultural norms. (Source:
https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontosociology/chapter/chapter16-education/)
b. the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the
powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others
intellectually for mature life.
c. the act or process of imparting or acquiring particular knowledge or skills, as
for a profession.
d. a degree, level, or kind of schooling:a university education.
e. the result produced by instruction, training, or study:to show one's education.
f. the science or art of teaching; pedagogics.

4. SOCIAL INTERACTION
a. This involves the careful assessment of the practices of everyday
communicating between people in various (usually) real-life contexts, such as
doctor-patient visits, organizations, and human-computer communication. The
process by which we act and react to those around us
b. It has been defined as ‘any event by which one party tangibly influences the
overt actions or the state of mind of the other’ (Sorokin, 1928). It is a reciprocal
and interdependent activity.
c. Defining social interaction, Gillin and Gillin (1948) wrote: ‘By social interaction
we mean the mutual or reciprocal influence, resulting in the modification of
behaviour, exerted through social contact and communication which, in turn,
are established by inter-stimulation and response.’

5. SCHOOL CULTURE
a. This generally refers to the beliefs, perceptions, relationships, attitudes, and
written and unwritten rules that shape and influence every aspect of how a
school functions, but the term also encompasses more concrete issues such
as the physical and emotional safety of students, the orderliness of classrooms
and public spaces, or the degree to which a school embraces and celebrates
racial, ethnic, linguistic, or cultural diversity.
b. According to Fullan (2007) school culture can be defined as the guiding beliefs
and values evident in the way a school operates. ‘School Culture’ can be used
to encompass all the attitudes, expected behaviors and values that impact how
the school operates.
 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BAYAMBANG CAMPUS
Bayambang, Pangasinan
Discussant:
Esteron, Reyilla Mharie
Gonatice, Jhonard
Lagasca, Nerissa
Libiran, Dave Matthew
Dreo, Adhara Jane
Nepacena, Rafael
Melendez, Abegail
Soriano, Aira

Unit 1.A – Society and Education

Philosophical Perspectives: Classical, Modern, and Post-Modern
Philosophies

Objectives: At the end of the session, the participants shall have:

1. Discussed at least 6 Philosophical thoughts on Educational Philosophies.
2. Cite the Influence of Educational Philosophies in Education.
3. Summarize the Educational Philosophies.

III. Introduction

Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and

existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. Is the study of general
and fundamental problems, such as those connected with reality, existence, knowledge,
values, reason, mind, and language. ... The word "philosophy" comes from the Ancient
Greek (philosophia), which literally means "love of wisdom".

Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge,

skills, values, beliefs, and habits.  Educational methods include teaching, training,
storytelling, discussion and directed research.

Your philosophy of education is your concept of the learner, concept of what

must be taught and how this must be taught. These thoughts are the bases of your
actions and decisions when you prepare to teach and when you teach.
IV. Body/Lesson Proper

CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHIES

IDEALISM
What is Idealism?
Idealism is a philosophical approach that has as its central tenet that ideas are the
only true reality, the only thing worth knowing. In a search for truth, beauty and justice
that is enduring and everlasting, the focus is on conscious reasoning in the mind.

The aim of education is to discover and develop each individual’s abilities and full
moral excellence in order to better serve society.

THE THREE R’S

Reading Writing Arithmetic

REALISM
What is Realism?
Realism also known as objectivism; it is the doctrine that is associated with the
study of the world we live in. Realists consider the physical world to be the realm of
knowledge, reality, and value and believe that the mind is independent of this. It is a
philosophy away from the world of ideas or spiritual things. In Realism the word ‘real’
denotes actual or the existing. It indicates those things or events which exist in the world
in its own right. It opposes the thing or event which is imaginary or fictitious. Realist
philosophy tend to focus on teaching demonstration, scientific research or investigation,
recitation, critical thinking, observation and experimentation. By these means learners
can overcome their preconceptions and biases and approach a more logical perception.
Realist educators encourage students to draw their observations and conclusions from
the world around them, rather than confining themselves to an analysis of their own ideas.

Aristotle is generally regarded as the father of Realism. Aristotle

lived 384-322 BCE. He was a pupil of Plato, the noted idealist
philosopher and teacher. Unlike his teacher, Aristotle developed his
wisdom from observation, applying observed facts and activities to
provide a contextual reference for ideas and truth (Ulich, 1954). John Locke, Erasmas,
Rabelias, Comenius, Bertrand Russell, Francis Bacon, Milton are the chief protagonists
of Realism.

Realism recommends preparing students for real and practical life of material world
which can be gained through senses and through hands-on approach. Realism aims to
prepare learners for real and practical life. It is in favour of learning by direct experiences
and discourages rote learning and bookish knowledge and prefers hands-on experience
for the purpose of learning.

EXISTENTIALISM
What is Existentialism?
Existentialism is a philosophy of human nature that identifies people as having free
will to determine the course of their lives.

Existentialism is a philosophy developed by Jean-Paul Sartre, Kierkegaard and

others.

Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher, writer, and activist

who shaped existentialism, a movement that challenged the
meaning of human existence.

Soren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Kierkegaard is regarded

as the father of existentialism (Feibleman, 1973). Søren
Kierkegaard as an Existentialist Philosopher. Kierkegaard was many
things: philosopher, religious writer, satirist, psychologist, journalist,
literary critic.

Existentialism in education focuses on the individual, seeking out a personal

understanding of the world. Thus, each individual characterizes for himself or herself the
concepts of reality, truth and goodness, schools exist to aid children in knowing
themselves and their place in society.

▪ The duty of the practitioner of education is to assist the students to assume

responsible self-hood, to grow up and face the world responsibly.
▪ Education is for full development of the individuality of the individual.
▪ Education is to contribute to the realization of self.
▪ Education must make up pupils aware of the infinite possibilities of his freedom
and the responsibilities he must bear in life.
 ▪ Every individual is unique. Education must develop to individual differences.

The school should provide an atmosphere where the individual develops in a healthy
way. Democratic ideals should pervade the school. Democracy must be the soil in which
the individual grows.

PRAGMATISM
What is Pragmatism?
Pragmatism is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the practical application
of ideas and actions. It asserts that knowledge is only meaningful when it is put into
practice and that thought must lead to action. Pragmatism prioritizes the importance of
actions over thought and centers on the student's experience. It encourages students to
work collaboratively and apply what they have learned to real-world problems.
Pragmatism is not concerned with learning facts and theories that do not help students
solve practical problems. The curriculum should focus on subjects that are relevant to
students' lives and help them solve practical problems, such as language, science,
agriculture, and domestic science. Overall, pragmatism is a philosophy that values
practical experience and the application of knowledge to solve real-world problems, rather
than abstract ideas or theories.

MODERN PHILOSOPHIES

PERENNIALISM

What is Perennialism?

Perennialism is a teacher-centered ideology in which the teacher is less with the

student interests and is more concerned with transferring knowledge, information, and
skills from older generations to younger generations.

It came from the word “perennial” which means everlasting. Why everlasting?
Because perennialists believe that the focus of education should be the ideas that have
lasted over centuries. They believe that these ideas are as relevant and meaningful today
as when they were written. They recommend that students learn from reading and
analyzing the works by history's finest thinkers and writers.

The goal of a perennialist education is to teach students to think rationally and

develop minds that can think critically. A perennialist classroom aims to be a closely
organized and well-disciplined environment, which develops in students’ lifelong quest for
the truth. Perennialists are primarily concerned with the importance of mastery of the
content and development of reasoning skills. The old adage “the more things change, the
more they stay the same” summarizes the perennialists’ perspective on education.

• For example, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are emphasized in the early
grades to prepare students in later grades to study literature, history, and
philosophy.
• Another example of perennialism would be using an artist’s work from a different
era to teach about art history.
• The idea that education should be a lifelong process. Learning is continuous and
never-ending.
• The idea that the best way to learn is through experience-based activities.
• A focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts or figures.

Perennialism was originally religious in nature, developed first by Thomas

Aquinas in the thirteenth century in his work De Magistro (On the Teacher).

PROGRESSIVISM

Progressive education is a response to traditional methods of teaching. It is

defined as an educational movement which gives more value to experience than formal
learning. It is based more on experiential learning that concentrate on the development
of a child’s talents.

The progressivism teaching philosophy is meant to actively engage students in

their own learning to build skills that promote the ability to problem solve, think critically,
and develop a deep understanding of the subject.

What is progressivism in modern philosophy?

Progressivism. “Progressivists” believe that individuality, progress, and change

are fundamental to one’s education. Believing that people learn best from what they
consider most relevant to their lives, progressivists center their curricula on the needs,
experiences, interests, and abilities of students.

Progressivists believe that education should focus on the whole child, rather than
on the content or the teacher. This educational philosophy stresses that students should
test ideas by active experimentation. Learning is rooted in the questions of learners that
arise through experiencing the world.
 The attempt to Improve the lives of the working class and to regulate unchecked
power of business.
The goals of progressivism are less about academia and more about learning life
skills. Progressive educators want students to become good people as well as good
learners (Kohn, 2008).

The goals of progressivism put into practice pragmatic thought which essentially
means putting thoughts into action.

HUMANISM
What is Humanism?
Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other
supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal
fulfillment that aspire to the greater good. In addition, it is also called Naturalistic
Humanism, Scientific Humanism, Ethical Humanism, and Democratic Humanism

POST MODERN PHILOSOPHIES

POSTMODERNISM
What is postmodernism?

Is a philosophical direction which is critical of certain foundation assumptions of

western philosophy and especially of the 18th century enlightenment.

Postmodern philosophy is a philosophical movement that arose in the second half

of the 20th century as a critical response to assumptions allegedly present in modernist
philosophical ideas regarding culture, identity, history, or language that were developed
during the 18th-century Age of Enlightenment.

Post-modern Philosophies - Postmodernism includes various groups of

philosophers who follow multiplicity. Regarding postmodernist, the aims of education are
teaching critical thinking, production of knowledge, development of individual and social
identity, self -creation. In postmodern education teachers just lead students to discover
new things. - Regarding postmodernist, the aims of education are teaching critical
thinking, production of knowledge, development of individual and social identity, self-
creation. In postmodern education teachers just lead students to discover new things. ...
They tolerate others criticism and try to think in critical way.
III. Conclusion

The institution of education or the school was developed by society. Education is

a social function, and as such, it derives from the foundation and structure of society.
Therefore, a contemporary learning philosophy places an emphasis on effectiveness over
efficiency and teaches students how to learn and integrate disciplines as well as how to
work together to solve problems rather than having them sit at desks looking forward and
move between subjects without any interaction.

Also, understanding these beliefs would assist learners, parents, and citizens in
general as well as educators, administrators, and policy makers at all levels.

In summary, philosophy in education aspires to raise people's quality of life,

advance humanity, and enhance the education of future generations.

IV. References

1. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pragmatism/
2. https://study.com/learn/lesson/pragmatism-philosophy-theory.html
https://iep.utm.edu/pragmati/
3. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-existentialism-5667161
https://helpfulprofessor.com/existentialism-in-education/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279420314_Existentialism_in_Educatio
n
4. https://adamasuniversity.ac.in/the-relevance-of-realism-in-the-field-of-education-
aphilosophical discourse/
5. https://www.thedigiteachers.com/teachingphilosophies/#:~:text=The%20following
%20are%20the%20main%20philosophies%20of%20education%3A,Conservatis
m%20...%208%208.%20Constructivism%20...%20More%20items
6. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/teaching-
philosophies
7. https://www.thedigiteachers.com/teaching-philosophies/
8. https://www.theedadvocate.org/understanding-4-main-schools-philosophy-
principle-realism/
9. https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/understanding-philosophy-of-education-is-
important-for-teaching-excellence/
10. https://www.acadshare.com/summary-educational-philosophies/
11. https://biznewske.com/perennialism-philosophy-of-education/
12. https://www.siue.edu/~ptheodo/foundations/perennialism.html
13. https://www.theedadvocate.org/edupedia/content/what-is-perennialism/
14. https://americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/definition-of-humanism