How Can Educational Philosophies Influence Schooling?
Educational philosophies have been used and developed throughout the years. Teachers have to learn what works best for them and their students. Teachers are to come up with a set of guidelines they want to implement for themselves as well as their students. Is it best to have a teacher centered classroom or is it best to have a student centered classroom?
Educational philosophies can influence schooling in how the schools focus on curriculum. Some schools go by a strict grading system and are focused on getting those high scores while other schools focus in on student interest and education that benefits the student. I have seen students completely disregard connecting to lessons because they are worried about their grade average and moving to the next grade level.
More specifically a traditional classroom relies on a teacher facilitated education and on the other hand progressivism relies on the teacher being a guide within a students education. Due to the difference in educational philosophies, students can have different reactions within their learning process. Educational philosophies determine the overall setting of the classroom. Some classrooms might heavily focus on core ideas and teacher instruction. Others will utilize inquiry where the students explore content and build interest on their own within each lesson. Using the more beneficial philosophy will make or break students. Students can fully engage in lessons and teachers will get the best learning results from their students. If a teacher can successfully use a student centered philosophy, students can apply their knowledge to the natural world and make connections as well.
Here is a quote I found from John Dewey,
Hi Reanna, I could not agree anymore with your post. You made such valid points and I love how you explained the differences between a teacher centered classroom and a student centered classroom. I myself remember I would have certain classes where I could not even focus on what I was learning or find any interest in it due to the fact that I was too busy worrying about rather I was going to pass or not. Students should not have to have the opportunity of getting to learn about something that may interests them taken away from them based off of a fear that is being created by certain types of philosophies. It really can make or break a student. You worded this perfectly. If teachers can figure out ways to use a centered philosophy, then I truly do believe we would notice a change in the way they are able to learn. I also enjoyed the quote you included from John Dewey, it speaks more than words.
ReplyDeleteExactly! If students grow up with the idea that they have to have high grades to succeed in life, they will feel an immense amount of pressure and feel like school is a chore. This is something I grew up learning and I feel like it diminished my interest in school. I wanted to get all those high grades but if you were to ask me about the content I learned after our test, I would not be able to tell you because I crammed all of the information in my head purposely to pass the test. Choosing a philosophy to implement in the classroom can be based on the students in the classroom or could even have a balance between different philosophies.
DeleteI agree with your post Reanna , the use of certain traditionalist philosophies regarding teaching focus on producing results and having students memorize and regurgitate. Rather than conceptualizing the content and actually being able to understand and explain the content. I think here lies a big problem with teaching as it stands. How do we measure progress in our material without having students just take what we say and repeat it back out at us, but also reach students and make sure they understand the content in a manner that they can connect and actively use it. I favor the progressive ideology of teaching as I think it encourages more thoughtful use of the content being taught. That being said I also like how it opens a conversation with the students and teachers rather than a one sided information dump. All in all your post does a good job of pointing out the relevancy of teaching philosophy not only to teachers and students but also to the curriculum as well.
ReplyDeleteRaeanna,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! While I agree student center learning is the best, because it keeps students engaged. I do not necessarily think essentialism will make or break a student. Is our system perfect? No, however, we still produce students who go on to college and have successful lives. I believe there is a balance. I think student centered learning is effective, however, I think progressivism does not cultivate equality on its own. There needs to be a delicate balance between essentialism, progressivism, and social reconstructionism. There may be times where a teacher needs to be more centered to ensure no student is at a disadvantage. If all students are receiving an equal education, then teachers can implement progressivism. Truly, I think the lessons should be taught in multiple fashions to ensure each child understands.
Hi! I see what you're saying however, I guess I should have said it would make or break the experience or environment in the classroom in a way. I feel like choosing a philosophy is based on the classroom and students we have. Of course, we have to accommodate to the students needs. I do like the idea of teaching in multiple fashions which correspond to dabbling in each philosophy between teacher focused or student focused.
DeleteHey Reanna! This was an awesome post! I definitely agree with you that teachers should find what works best for them and their students, no matter what the philosophy! I think there is no right or wrong philosophy, but a mixture of more than one method goes a long way!
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ReplyDeleteHello Reanna!
I completely agree with what you are speaking about in your response. I think that a more student centered approach to teaching is the correct way to go about informing students and helping them further their education. A question I do have though is if this is the correct approach to delivering instruction in all lessons and all subjects. I feel that with more concrete and hard subjects like mathematics and engineering, a more direct approach of teaching should be encouraged. With subjects like art, philosophy, and more liberally instructed courses, (90) a student centered instruction is more appropriate. This comes from my own personal style of learning, so I believe that it is important to keep an open mind and evaluate each class separately. A baseline of X classes taught in a more strict, teacher delivered scenario, and Y classes delivered more from student lead discussion and teacher guidance is what I tend to agree. A mixture of both to better suite not only the student, but the material being presented.