UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES

COURSE TITLE : PRE INTERNSHIP SERMINOR

COUSE CODE : SSE 354.
LECTURER`S NAME : PHILIP OKAI MENSAH (MPHIL).
GROUP ASSIGNMENT.
 LESSON OBJECTIVES.
 By the end of the lesson:
 The student should be able to define teaching philosophy.
 The student should be able to explain conservatism as teaching philosophy
 Thestudent should also be able to state 3 proponent of conservatism as
teaching philosophy .
 Thestudent should also be able to mention at least 2 central argument of
conservatism as teaching philosophy.
 Thestudent should also be able to mention at least 3 impact of conservatism
on education and teaching .
 CONSERVATISM, AS A TEACHING PHILOSOPHY.
 Teaching philosophy refers to a teacher's beliefs, values, and principles about
education and the process of teaching and learning.
 Conservatism, as a teaching philosophy, advocates for an educational approach that prioritizes
the preservation of established traditions, values, and knowledge. It is rooted in the belief that
the accumulated wisdom of the past should guide the educational process, and there is a strong
emphasis on passing down cultural, moral, and intellectual heritage to the next generation.
 At the heart of conservatism in education is the recognition of the enduring nature of human
nature. Conservative educators contend that human beings possess inherent traits and
characteristics that persist across generations. As a result, conservative philosophy emphasizes
the importance of providing students with a solid foundation of traditional knowledge and
values that have stood the test of time.
 In conclusion, conservatism as a teaching philosophy places a significant emphasis on tradition,
authority, discipline, and moral values. It seeks to preserve the cultural and intellectual heritage
of past generations while instilling in students a sense of responsibility and respect for their
community and society
 PROPONENTS OF THE TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
 Proponents of conservatism come from various backgrounds and have diverse perspectives,
but they share a common belief in the core principles of conservatism. Here are some key
figures who have been influential proponents of conservatism, each contributing to the
development and popularization of conservative thought:
 Edmund Burke (1729-1797): Often referred to as the "father of conservatism," Edmund
Burke was an Irish statesman, philosopher, and political theorist. In his seminal work
"Reflections on the Revolution in France" (1790), Burke criticized the French Revolution and
its radical attempt to uproot traditional institutions in favor of abstract, ideological reforms.
 E.D. Hirsch Jr. (1928-2020): Theory: Cultural Literacy. Hirsch advocated for a core
curriculum that focuses on imparting a shared set of cultural knowledge to students. He
argued that without a common cultural foundation, meaningful communication and
understanding among individuals would be limited.
 William J. Bennett (1943- ):Theory: The Book of Virtues. Bennett emphasized the
importance of teaching moral virtues and character education in schools. He believed that
instilling virtues like responsibility, honesty, and compassion would contribute to the
development of better citizens.
 CENTRE ARGUMENT OF CONSERVATISM .
 Conservatism, as a teaching philosophy, encompasses a range of arguments and beliefs about education. Here are
four central arguments that are commonly associated with conservatism in education:
 Preservation of Tradition and Culture: Conservatives argue for the preservation of traditional values, customs,
and cultural knowledge in education. They believe that these foundational aspects of society have stood the test
of time and provide a sense of continuity and stability, which is crucial for societal cohesion and identity.
 Focus on Essential Knowledge and Skills: Conservatives emphasize the importance of imparting essential
knowledge and practical skills to students. They advocate for a strong foundation in core subjects like
mathematics, science, literature, and history, which they believe form the basis of a well-rounded education.
 Limited Role of Government in Education: Conservatives often advocate for limited government intervention
in education. They believe that educational decisions should be made at the local level, giving parents, teachers,
and communities more control over the curriculum and the direction of schools. This perspective is grounded in
the belief that decentralization allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of students and
communities.
 Opposition to Progressive Pedagogy: Conservatives are critical of certain progressive educational approaches
that they see as promoting relativism, radical social change, and a departure from traditional values. They tend to
be skeptical of experimental teaching methods and believe that an emphasis on rote memorization, discipline,
and structured learning environments is more effective in achieving academic excellence.
THE IMPACT OF CONSERVATISM ON EDUCATION AND TEACHING.
The impact of conservatism on education and teaching can vary depending on the specific context and the degree to
which conservative principles are embraced. Here are some common implications:
 1. Traditional Curriculum: Conservative perspectives on education often advocate for a traditional curriculum that
prioritizes classic literature, historical events, and foundational knowledge. They may resist incorporating more
progressive or contemporary themes in the curriculum, especially those that challenge traditional values or established
norms.
 2. Moral and Religious Values: Conservatism typically emphasizes the importance of moral and religious values in
society. In the context of education, this can manifest through a push for religious education, moral instruction, and an
emphasis on character development. Conservative educators may be more inclined to teach students about their
cultural heritage and emphasize the importance of upholding societal norms and values.
 3. Resistance to Progressive Teaching Methods: Conservative thinkers may be skeptical of progressive teaching
methods that deviate from traditional teacher-led, didactic approaches. They may favor more structured and
disciplined classroom environments and criticize approaches that they perceive as promoting excessive individualism
or undermining authority.
 4. Patriotism and National Identity: Conservatives often emphasize a sense of national identity and pride in the
country's history and heritage. This can translate into an emphasis on teaching patriotism, national symbols, and
historical narratives that highlight the positive aspects of the nation's past.