EDU 3101 : Philosophy and Education in Malaysia

Western philosophy of education

Prepared by, Farhana binti Mohamad Sum Jeremy Joel A. Bernard Kennedy Yamil
IPG KAMPUS GAYA - PISMP TESL (SK) GROUP 1, JANUARY 2013 INTAKE

something to ponder on...

Most questions about education will lead one, sooner or later, to ask about the nature of education and whether there are certain aims that are somehow inherent in its nature or for some reason necessary or desirable. This makes questions and theories about the nature and aims of education a good place to begin in learning to think philosophically about education, though they are also a good place to end. Wherever one starts, one will be drawn back to them in attempting to address other educational questions in a deep and systematic way.

Tradition al

Type of schools in Western traditional philosophy of education

Realism Perennialism

Idealism Essentialism

Perennialism
Comes from the word, perennial which means fixed and do not change Education should focus on the search and dissemination of knowledge which is fixed

Human beings, by nature have universal characteristics which are constant

Education is for teaching universal knowledge and values which are everlasting and not constrained by time limits.

Education Goals
Focus

Curriculum : Critical subjects that is to be given attention are humanities and literature (Languages, Literature, Mathematics, Art, Science) Teachers Role : Deliver knowledge, Facilitate group discussions, Discipline his pupils
Teaching Method : The teacher has expert power and does not entertain his pupils views Pupils Role : Work hard in order to gain as much knowledge as they can. They have to complete all the assignments given

ESSENTIALISM
Started as a systematic educational movement in the 1930s. It is originated from realism & idealism. Generally speaking, this school of philosophy is conservative in nature

Places importance on the basics, that is, what an individual needs to know in order to become a productive person. In this sense, it said to be both practical and pragmatic

Education Goals To teach factual information which needs to be learnt, appreciated and stored by our pupils as well as how to appreciate culture
Focus Curriculum : Basic skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic (3R), Science, History, Art and Music are compulsory subjects whilst Literature and Humanities are optional. Teachers Role : Regarded as an authority in the teaching and learning process in the classroom, Skilled in classroom and be a role model to his pupils. Teaching Method : Pupils are not encouraged to involve themselves in the speculative reflection process which is regarded as total waste of time Pupils Role : All pupils have to study hard and pay attention to what is taught in school

Type of schools in Western Modern philosophy of education

Pragmatism Progressivism

Reconstructivism Existentialism

progressivism
It developed from pragmatism that came under the influence of John Deweys ideas (1902, 1910, 1916, 1938)

Believe that change is the core of reality. Knowledge cannot be regarded as an everlasting truth. An educated person is defined as one who has the insight which enables him to adapt to changes in his environment. The progressisvists doesnt believe in the existence of permanent and pertinent truth.

Concept

Aims to prepare pupils to accommodate to changes in their everyday lives.

Education Goals

Curriculum : Pupils should be given the freedom to choose the subjects that they wish to study, study according to their personal interest (enable learning becomes more effective and pupils are able to maximize their individual abilities and potentials) Teachers Role : Play as a role of facilitator and assist pupils to handle any problems in their ever changing surroundings. Also act as a manager who responsible for creating a conducive learning and puts forward questions to stimulate pupils thinking and guides their interests towards a positive directions.

Teaching Method :
1) Teaching problem solving skills which use the inductive approach and the scientific method. Because of this, formal education stresses rote learning of information and discourages abstract facts ; 2) Laboratory work and experiments which provide opportunities for exploring ones surroundings 3) Direct experience with the environment. For eg, fieldwork. Pupils Role : Seek their own explanations for phenomena given by the teacher. The need to study how to ask questions about their environment

reconstructivism
stems from progressivism
recommends that we improve and reconstruct our society

Schools are considered the main catalyst for improving the state of human beings. Schools are the best platforms for building a new society to identify social problems which obstruct the development of society and create cultural crises.

Education Goals
To lay the foundation for a new cultural pattern and also to eradicate social ills.

Focus
Curriculum : Consists of the social sciences specifically social studies which emphasizes current and future orientations, besides local and global issues.

Teachers Role : Acts an agent of change and innovation. Has to be creative and innovative in the classroom
Teaching Method : Pupil centered approach is given due emphasis where pupils are taught problem solving skills through activities, brain storming , role plays and simulations. Pupils Role : Pupils are expected to take an active role in order to achieve

focus on the nature of existence of man consider reality as something which is subjective and can only be defined by the individual concerned

existentialism

Concept
An individual is responsible for himself and has the autonomy to determine his goals and make his own decisions without having to refer to outside authorities

Education Goals
Implies that the school system or teacher does not have the right to impose goals of education

Focus
Curriculum : Does not have specific subjects. Subjects like art, literature and drama are considered relevant. Teachers Role : Provides educational opportunities so that his pupils can voice out their feelings and emotions. Teaching Method : Activity centered and pupil centered Pupils Role : Encouraged to involve themselves actively so as to maximize the educational opportunities offered to them

Conclusion
In conclusion, Western philosophy of education looks on the learning process at educational institutions in producing a knowledgeable & competence students. If we utilize both traditional and modern Western education philosophies together with Eastern education philosophy, we might produce young generation who are knowledgeable and competent, who possess high moral standards and who are responsible and capable of achieving high level of personal well-being as well as being able to contribute to the harmony and betterment of the family, the society and the nation.

THANK YOU
QUESTIONS ??