Introduction

Philosophy of Education is that branch of philosophy that addresses philosophical questions

concerning nature, aims and problems of education. As a branch of practical philosophy, its
practitioners look both inward to parent discipline of philosophy and outward to educational
practice as well as to developmental psychology, cognitive science more generally, sociology
and other relevant disciplines (Philips D.c 2008).

To a teacher the relevance of philosophy of education cannot be over emphasis among the
benefits to a teacher are;

1. Philosophy of Education help teacher to acknowledge the significant role of the past
philosophers like plato, fatun wa etc in the renovation and improvement of
educational system. For example; plato advocated for state control of education.
Fafunwa developed cardinal goals for traditional education. Froebel’s advocate free
choice of occupation by children which is practice in today’s education worldwide.
2. Philosophy of education can help teachers to understand the different purposes of
education. Some most common purposes of education include;
 To help students develop their personal identity
 To help students become good citizens
 Develop students critical thinking

By understanding the different purposes of education thus help teachers to make decisions
about how to teach the learners and what content to include in their curriculum.

3. Help the teacher to understand diverse learning theories. The understanding of

learning theories like Behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism help teachers to
adopt teaching methods that are most likely to be effective for their students.
4. Philosophy of Education enable teachers to understand their role.
The role of a teacher can vary depending on the philosophilca perspective for instance
in a traditional teacher-centered classroom, the teacher is the primary source of
knowledge the students are passive learners. In a constructivist classroom the teacher
is a facilitator of learning and the students are active learners.
Understanding the role of the teacher therefore help teachers to be more effective in
classroom.
5. Help the teacher in decision making on curriculum.
 The philosophy of education can help teacher to make decision on curriculum, this
will enable the teacher to choose contents that is relevant to their students needs and
interest and that is aligned with the philosophical beliefs.
6. Help teachers in assessing the learners philosophy of education help teacher to make
decisions about assessment. Assessment is the process of gathering information about
students learning outcome.
The Philosophy of Education can help teachers to choose assessment methods that are
aligned with their philosophical belief and that are effective in measuring students
learning outcome.
7. Philosophy of Education help the teacher to have a sound thinking or rather rational
thinking, this to an extent help the teacher in having value judgment before addressing
serious challenging matters that face educational system when need arise, the teacher
with the aid of this philosophy does not jump in to conclusion of issues anyhow,
he/she think critical before proffering solution to educational concern matters.
8. Philosophy of Education help the teacher in his/her personal benefits when it comes to
matters of intellectual knowledge.

REFERENCES

1. Obinne, A.D.E., Ako, J.A & James, P.O (2012). Philosophy of Education. An
introduction, Ibadan, Cubanet Publishers Nigeria Limited.
2. Philips. D.C (2008). “Philosophy of Education I Standford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy, June, 2008.
3. Abong, O.V (2009). Philosophy of Education Module Africa Nazarene University.