Philosophical Foundations

Foundations of Curriculum
Philosophy
- Study of wisdom (Love of wisdom)

Philosophy fundamental question:
Metaphysic - What is real?
Epistemology - What is truth?
Axiology - What is of value?
Philosophy and Curriculum
Philosophy is the beginning point in
curriculum decision making and is
the basis for all subsequent
decisions regarding curriculum
John Goodland

As cited on page 31
Tylers view of philosophy in
relationship to school purpose
School
Purposes
Suggestions
from
Subject
Specialists
Studies of
Contemporary
Life
Use of
Psychology of
Learning
Studies of
Learners
Use of
Philosophy
Major Philosophies
Idealism
Realism
Pragmatism
Existentialism

Idealism
Highest aim is the search for truth
and values that will stand the test
of time
Truth and values are seen as
absolute, timeless, and universal
Idealism curriculum
Curriculum is hierarchical. Concept
and abstract subjects are the top
subjects. (Philosophy, theology)
Promotes abstract thinking
(Mathematics is considered
important because it cultivates the
power to deal with abstract
thinking)
Language subject is important

Realism
People can come to know the world
through their senses and reason.
Things happen according to purpose
and in an orderly way (Natural law).
Truth emanate from both science
and art
Realism Curriculum
Logic and lessons that exercise the
mind and that cultivate rational
thought are streessed.
Three Rs (Reading, Writing,
Arithmatics)
Ethical, political, economic thought
Has organized separate subjects
curriculum. For example study of
humankind experience becomes
history subject.
Pragmatism
Referred to as experimentalism,
based on change, process, and
relativity.
Construes knowledge as a process
in which reality is constantly
changing
Nothing can be viewed intelligently
except in relation to a pattern
Truth is no longer absolute or
unversal
Pragmatism Curriculum
Views teaching as more exploratory
than explanatory
Considers teaching and learning as
process of reconstructing
experience according to scientific
method
Focuses on problems solving
Existentialism
Stress in individualism and personal
self-fulfillment
Prefer to free learner to choose
what to study and determine what
is truth
Recognizes few standards, customs
or tradition.

Existentialism Curriculum
Consists of experiences and
subjects that lend themselves to
philosophical dialogue and acts of
choice making: Literature, drama,
filmaking, art, etc.
Classroom would be rich in
materials.
Stresses self-expressive activities,
experimentation, and methods and
media.
Focuses on learners feelings,
emotions, and insights.
Educational Philosophies
Perennialism
Essentialism
Progressivism
Reconstructionism
Perennialism
Philosophical Base: Realism
Aim: To educate the rational person
Knowledge: Focus on past and permanent
studies. (Preserving the past knowledge)
Role of teacher: Helps students to think
rationally. Teacher is an authority in the
field (Unquestionable)
Teaching method: Socratic method, oral
exposition (lecture), explicit teaching of
traditional values
Perennialism Curriculum
Classic subjects: Literature,
language, mathematics,
Constant curriculum (Unchanged)
Common curriculum for all (Little
room for electives and vocational)
Students has no freedom to choose
Perennialism Curriculum
Paideia proposal
Liberal Arts

Essentialism
Philosophical base: Realism and Idealism
Aim: To promote intellectual growth and
educate the competent person
Knowledge: Essential skills, master of
concepts, and principles
Role of teacher: Authority in the field.
Teaching method: explicit teaching of
traditional values. Tough discipline.


Essentialism Curriculum
Essential skills (Three Rs)
Essential subjects: English, Science,
history, math, foreign language
Affected by the demand of the
public to raise the academic
standards and to improve students
work and minds
Subjects that have contents are
emphasized rather than process
Essentialism Curriculum
Back-to-basic curriculum
Excellence in education
Cultural literacy

Progressivism
Philosophical base: Pragmatism
Aim: To provide democratic, social living
Knowledge: Growth and development,
living learning process, focus on active
and relevant learning
Role of teacher: To guide
Teaching method: Problem solving and
scientific inquiry.
Progressivism Curriculum
Curriculum should be based on students
interests. Should be applicable for human
affairs (solving problem).
Interdisciplinary subject matter.
Focus on activities and projects.
Reality is changing therefore no need to
focus on fixed body of knowledge.
Process is more important than content

Progressivism Curriculum
Relevant curriculum
Humanistic education
Radical school reform
Reconstructionism
Philosophical base: Pragmatism
Aim: To improve and reconstruct society.
Education is for change and social reform
Knowledge: Skills and subjects that identify
problems of society. Active learning with focus of
contemporary and future.
Role of teacher: Agent of change and reform
(Project director)
Teaching method: Case study, involve students
for social responsibilities. Neutrality is not an
option. Social analysis, interpretation, and
evaluation activities

Reconstructionism Curriculum
Emphasis on social sciences and
social research methods
Examination of social, economic and
political problem
Focus on present and future as well
as local and global issues
Reconstructionism Curriculum
International education
Equality of educational opportunity
Adventist Philosophy
Philosophical base: Theism
Aim: Restoration of man to Gods image
Knowledge: Bible Values.To prepare
responsible citizen for the world today
and the world to come. Balance
Education- Spiritual, Physical, Mental,
Social (Wholistic Education)
Role of teacher: Lead student for Christ
Teaching method: Faith Integration,
practical, living by example (modeling).


Adventist Curriculum
Curriculum Focus: Salvation,
Redemption.
Subjects: Bible subjects in every
program, health subject, vocational,
work education, service learning,
outreach.
Curriculum Trends
Adventist curriculum trends?
Health message
Vegetarianism
Sanitarium
Academy (Boarding School)
Isolated schools.
Educational Excellence.
Integration of Faith and Learning.