______________________________________________________________________ A. Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY AND EDUCATION What are the various approaches to the study of Philosophy of education?

(Describe each one briefly.) The four major approaches to the study of Philosophy of education are the following: (1) historical approach, (2) Great mind, (3) School of thought and(4) topic/problem. Each one has its own advantages as well as disadvantages. The historical approach is done by studying philosophy in terms of sequence of the influence of the different philosophers in history. This approach was criticized because it is to distant from the current school problems we are facing now. Some experts argued that old solutions never seem to fit well in solving new problems. The second one is the Great Mind approach where students are exposed to the writings of well-known philosophers or what we call philosophical giants. This approach was criticized because of the difficulty of choosing ideas of great thinkers which would enlighten students. Not all ideas are relevant to the present problems in education. The third one is the schools of thought approach where students compare different philosophies and their implications in education. There are so many criticisms on this approach and one of them states that one educational philosophy may be completely different from another in terms of aims, nature and subject matter. The last one is the topic or problem approach where students actively analyze and examine problems in education using their philosophical knowledge. One criticism of this approach states that professors and students alike may lack the sufficient background needed to analyze different educational issues. Why is the study of philosophy of education important? The study of the philosophy of education provides us with knowledge about the different branches of knowledge in order to help us understand current educational issues and aspirations, think independently and critically, understand fundamental ideas which influence direction of education like aims like subject matter and teaching,

develop personal enrichment and professional growth, to know the roles and objectives in education and finally, to contribute to the enhancement of teaching as a profession. B. Units II and III CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES\ Choose a classical philosophy and describe its educational ideas in terms of these topics: Reasons for the existence of the school, Nature of the pupil, objectives of education and the educative process. The main reason for the existence of Naturalism is the overlong infancy of man. It states that long infancy of dependence is natural for man and therefore, learning is also natural for him. This philosophy believes that every child has the power to demand and frame his or her own curriculum and does not favor imposing boundary to children. The objectives are complete living, self-preservation, securing the necessities of life, raising children, maintenance of social and political relations and enjoyment of leisure. The following educative process is followed in this philosophy: Education must conform to the natural process of growth and mental development, It should be pleasurable, engages the spontaneous self-activity of the child, considers knowledge as an important part of education, believes that the body as well as the mind must both be cared for and even practices delay and utilizes the inductive method of instruction. It also states that punishment should be constituted by natural consequences of wrong deeds but should be tempted with sympathy. Why does language analysis doubt the possibility of a philosophy of education? Language analysis doubts the legitimacy of the philosophy of education as a discipline because it is not sure about the scope and it is not sure if there is a general philosophical matter applicable to education. C. UNIT IV PHILOSOPHICA-ROOTED EDUCATIONAL THEORIES Why is progressivism regarded as weak in subject matter?

This is because according to progressivism, learning through problem solving should replace inculcation of subject matter. Therefore, the child learns by doing and not through studying the subject matter at hand. Why is social reconstructionism an impossible theory to attain? This is because a reconstructionists believe in a utopian future which is possible only if we learn how to intervene and direct change and many people view it only as an extension of progressivism because reconstructionists do not believe in a predetermined curriuculum. They would use the subject matter form any or all disciplines when needed to solve a problem. D. UNITS V AND VI EDUCATIONAL ISSUES AND BUILDING A PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Describe an educated person and how our schools can help realize this kind of individual An educated man is someone who is improved, and such a desirable endproduct. He is well-trained in mathematical and philosophical disciplines, willing to act as guardians and rulers of the state and one who had acquired knowledge and intellect development sufficient to enable him to support a family, to play the part of the citizen in such a society and to use his leisure wisely. The school could help realize this individual by educating him to meet the criteria of intellectual, moral and aesthetic development set by the society for an educated person. What do you consider when you build or construct your philosophy of education? In building a philosophy of education, we should consider the following: (1) the nature of the learner, (2) your roles as teacher, (3) the role of the parents and administrators, (4) purposes of education, (5) the contents of the curriculum and the subject, (6) the skills you would like your students to develop and (6) the methods you would use in order to fulfill your goals.