Mike Wigglesworth

TED 615
11/27/05

My Philosophy of Education: A Historical Point of View

At various times in American history (e.g. the Industrial Revolution and the Cold
War) the education system has been reduced to a mechanism to cultivate individuals that
could contribute to the development of American power through industry and technology.
Today, education is often viewed as a tool by which the individual can promote his/her
personal wealth and standing in society. In my opinion, the purpose of education needs to
transcend such narrow objectives. My philosophy of education is rooted in the firm belief
that the education system has a critical responsibility to be a progressive force in society;
one that is capable of critiquing existing norms, generating new ideas, and ultimately,
effecting change. The education system should encourage citizens to take command of
their society so as to ensure that it progresses for the benefit of humanity. When the
educational system fails to serve this purpose, democracy is degraded and those in power
are given free reign to influence the direction that our society takes.
In this respect, teachers play a very important role. Teachers should work to
promote social consciousness among their students and enable students to acquire critical
thinking skills so that they can begin to question and analyze the world in which they
live. In order to achieve this, teachers should make significant efforts to make the
curriculum relevant to their students’ lives. Teachers should guide student learning with
respect to the students’ personal interests. This is an effective way for teachers to keep the
students engaged and motivated. Teachers should be careful not to confine themselves to
“teaching to the standards.” This can lead to what the philosopher, Paulo Freire, described
as, the “banking concept of education,” in which the student is viewed as an empty
account ready to be filled by the teacher with facts. Rather, teachers should keep the
standards in mind and supplement “direct instruction” with “constructivist” approaches
that promote active learning, student initiative, and discovery.
I agree with such philosophers as Paulo Freire and John Dewey that education is a
critical component in a vibrant democratic society. As a history teacher I look forward to
creating a learning environment in which all students can develop a respect for
democratic processes and a vested interest in social issues.
The historian Howard Zinn once wrote, “you cannot be neutral on a moving
train.” By this he meant that those in power are working to move society in the direction
of their liking and we the citizenry do not have the luxury of being neutral. In essence,
this is a call to democratic action, encouraging citizens to take command of their society
so as to ensure that it progresses for the benefit of humanity rather than a small elite. I
believe that education is the most effective way that this can be promoted.
 An Educational Philosophy (from a history teacher’s point of view)

The historian Howard Zinn once wrote, “you can not be neutral on a moving
train.” In other words, those in power are moving society in various directions and we are
along for the ride whether we like it or not. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the
citizenry to intervene in this movement if it is not beneficial to the greater society (this is
the essence of democracy). The education system should be the primary stage for
promoting this democratic participation. At various times in American history (i.e. the
Industrial Revolution and the Cold War) the education system has been reduced to a
mechanism to produce individuals that could contribute to the development of American
power through industry and technology. Today, education is viewed primarily as a tool by
which the individual can promote his/her personal wealth and standing in society. In my
opinion, the purpose of education needs to transcend such narrow objectives. I agree with
such philosophers as Paulo Freire and John Dewey that education is a critical component
of a vibrant and democratic society. If society is to progress for the benefit of humanity,
education must also be progressive. Children and young adults must acquire critical
thinking skills; they must be taught to question and criticize the world in which they live
so that they may become the transformers of society rather than passengers just along for
the ride. The cultivation of critical consciousness through education is essential for
democracy and progress in society.
h this objective can be promoted.