SAINT MICHAEL COLLEGE OF HINDANG, LEYTE, INC

A Bonifacio St., Poblacion II, Hindang, Leyte

Philosophies of Education pertaining to Language Acquisition

(BSED-2 Group 4)

I. Introduction
* What is Philosophy?
 Philosophy means love for knowledge or passion for learning.
 It is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values,
reason, mind and language.
* What is Education?
 Acquisition of knowledge
 A tool to discipline the intellect
 A preparation for life
* What is Educational Philosophy?
 A set of values and beliefs about education that guide the professional behavior of
educator.
 It may be defined as the application of the fundamental principles of a philosophy of life
to the work of education
* Aims of Philosophy of education
 The aims of the philosophy of education are synthesized in the multifaceted development
of personality. The cultivation of curiosity and the disposition to inquire, the fostering of
creativity, the production of knowledge and of knowledgeable students, the enhancement
of understanding, and the promotion of moral, thinking and feeling.
 All round development consists of all the aspects – physical, mental, social, moral,
emotional and spiritual.

* The education philosophy can be broken down into four main schools of thought: Idealism,
Realism, Pragmatism and Existentialism. Idealism, for example is based on the early writings of
Plato. Realism is based on the thinking of Aristotle. Pragmatism is based on the thoughts of a
number of nineteenth century American philosophers. And Existentialism is based on the
writings of Jean-Paul Sartre.

II. The Four Philosophies: Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism,

Existentialism
1.1 IDEALISM
 Idealists stress the importance of learning ideas and concepts. They believe in reasoning
but question the use of scientific method and sense perception. They have the most
confidence in ideas that remain constant through time and place.
 Idealists believe in sharing ideas and great works that are universal, as well as long-lived.
They believe all students should have at least one teacher who they look up to, so they
can learn cultural norms.
1.2 REALISM
 Unlike idealists, realists highly recommend the use of scientific investigation and senses
in order to learn. They put focus on the physical world, arguing that reality, knowledge
and value exist independent of the mind. This physical world is composed of matter.
 Realists believe that schools should promote human rationality through observation and
experimentation. A lot of responsibility is placed on the teacher to have the right
background and information.
1.3 PRAGMATISM
 Pragmatists place their focus on the idea of change. This constant change results in
people having to understand what it means to know. Pragmatists believe that knowing
represents an exchange between the learner and the environment.
 They put more focus on carefully solving problems and less on large amounts of
information. They encourage problem solving through learner-centered problems such as
student investigation and activities.
1.4 EXISTENTIALISM
 Existentialists place their focus on the ideas of existence and essence. Individuals create
their own meaning. They finding one’s purpose to become lifelong goals.
 They believe in the importance of personal choice and reflection of knowledge. In school,
they place importance on developing a free, self-actualizing person. This means having
students discuss their lives and decisions they make.

III. Implications to Classroom Setting – The Philosophies of Education

2.1 IDEALISM - To imply this Philosophy during their study, they will made use of their senses
but more importantly, they process all of their observations and feelings through reflection. In
this way, the learners are learned from handling ideas through lecture and discussion which will
teach them to identify the qualities of their heroism and be like them. Teachers will train students
to communicate, debate even, what is good, what is beautiful and what is true. The curriculum of
Idealist must give more importance to thoughts, feelings, ideals and values than to the child and
his activities. Examples of the teaching Methods are lectures followed by reaction, writing rote
memorization and assigned reading. Learners must listen to the instruction of the teacher and
perform individual task.
2.2 REALISM - To imply this Philosophy, a teacher must have full mastery of the knowledge of
present life and must be able to co relate between utility in daily life and education. In classroom
activities, this should emphasis on critical reasoning through observation supports accountability
and performance-based teaching like recitation, experimentation, demonstration and drills. Since
realism focuses about reality, then learning is based on facts - analysis - questioning. So to make
your students percept realism, enhanced learning thru direct or indirect experiences like Field
trips, lectures, films, TV, audio-visual aids, computer technology & library should be done. We
could also use the 3Rs (reading, writing, arithmetic) in implying Realism in classroom settings.
2.3 PRAGMATISM - To imply this Philosophy in classroom settings, the teacher must creates a
real life situation where a child is interested to solve, to keep student as a discoverer and
experimenter. A task that will not impose anything so that a learner will decide his own aim, a
goal. Some methods to be used too are Project method (real and purposeful tasks), discussion,
questioning and inquiry. A work shop or laboratory or any social environment is applicable too.
2.4 EXISTENTIALISM - To imply this Philosophy is to use some educational methods, it is to
facilitate dialogues, small group discussions, and individualization where it help students define
their own essence by exposing them to various paths they take in life. Teachers will create an
environment or activities in which learners can freely choose their own preferred way and to
relates with each student openly and honestly. The role of teacher here is to assist and guide the
learner in the process of becoming intelligent, sensitive, choosing, and acting individual who
knows the obligation and responsibility of freedom and to help the individual identify and know
himself better.

IV. Reflection – The Philosophies of Education

My belief about teaching and learning the Philosophies of Education is that it should be
done with heart, soul, mind and strength. Teaching and learning has to be a passion, as well as,
having the will to make sure students are being provided with the best education they possibly
can earn. I believe education should provide all students with the freedom that encourages their
natural growth. I also believe that students learn best when they believe they can learn, in
different ways and at different rates, when the classroom and school environment supports them,
when learning is authentic, when they feel respected and develop a positive relationship with
their teacher, and when teachers provide explicit feedback designed to reduce the gap between
student’s current and future higher level of understanding. But I find myself to be a combination
of two: realism and pragmatism. As a realist, I believe it is important for students to learn while
doing. I also enjoy environments that are organized and logical. I agree that students should learn
to recognize the pros and cons different ideas. Realists understand the importance of these within
the classroom. One aspect of pragmatism that appeals to me is the idea of how things are always
changing. Ignoring this fact would have a negative effect in classroom. Teachers should take
advantage of the changes that are occurring. It makes it easier for students to connect what they
are learning to what is happening in the real world.

V. List of Members
 Añora, Vegie
 Nantes, Pio Mar
 Miñoza, Charish Joy
 Utrera, Edrelyn