1.
2 Realism
- comes from the Latin word “realists”, meaning to be really real.
Definition of Realism
According to Butler - "Realism is the reinforcement of our common acceptance of this world as
it appears to us."
According to Swami Ram Tirth - "Realism means a belief or theory which looks upon the world
as it seems to us to be a mere phenomenon."
According to J.S. Ross, "The doctrine of realism asserts that there is a real world of things
behind and corresponding to the objects of our perceptions."
Realism refers to the human mind whether it perceives them or not. It believes in the
present life and in the world which we perceive to see the truth. Realists believe in the truth of
life and aim of life are in the development system of life. They distinguish the difference between
appearance and reality. Moreover, they believe that individuals does not make reality and
discover it.
Fundamentals Principles of Education
1. Phenomenal world is true – Realists believe in the objective truth and reality of matter.
J.S Ross stated that “Realism simply affirms the existence of an external world and is
therefore the antithesis of subjective Idealism."
2. Senses are the doors of knowledge- Realism believes that senses are the doors or
gateways of knowledge. The impressions and sensations which result from our contacts
with external world through our senses result in knowledge which is true and real.
3. Theory of Organisms - According to Realists conscious and unconscious things form
an organism. Thus, Whitehead writes "The universe is a vibrating organism in the
process of evolution. Change is the fundamental feature of this vibrating universe.
The very essence of real actuality is process. Mind must be regarded as the
function of the organism."
4. Opposition of Idealism- There is no place for imagination in Realism at all. Thus,
Realists assert that there are no such entities as God, Soul or the other world. They are
mere figments of human imagination. Hence, having no faith in the existence of God,
Soul and their interrelationship, Realists assert that the scientific realities of matter and
its attributes are true and real.
Philosophers
Aristotle – First philosopher to develop a systematic theory of logic. He was the leading
prominent of realism. Realism assumes that there is a real external world that can be
recognized.
Thomas Aquinas – According to Thomas Aquinas, God made it possible to acquire true
knowledge, because we are all children of God our best thinking should agree with Christian
tenets. Aquinas epitomized the scholasticism of the Middle Ages. Scholasticism is an approach
that emphasized the human’s eternal soul and salvation. Thomas Aquinas highlighted that each
person is born with an immortal soul.
Forms of Realism in Education
1. Scholastic Realism – Started when Medieval thinkers wanted to bring together in a relation
between faith (Christian theology) and reason (Classical Philosophy). Thomas Aquinas who
wrote Summa Theologica used philosophy to help explain the doctrine and mysteries of the
church.
Characteristics:
Relied on the authorities from the past
Deductive approach to reasoning
Use of syllogistic logic
2 Methods of Teaching:
1. Lectio – simple reading of a text by a teacher and no questions were permitted.
2. Disputatio – where question to be disputed was announced beforehand.
2. Humanistic Realism – Sprang up after the renaissance. It studies the present solution to
each problem of life. It aimed to secure a knowledge of human society and its institutions of
nature and man’s reaction to nature.
John Milton – Education must prepare one for life in the real world.
Franchois Rabelais – Education should be attractive rather than compulsive. It is gained through
books, through emphasis should be in mastery of their contents and their usual use in one’s
llife.
3. Social Realism – is a reaction against a type of education that produces scholars and
professional men to the neglect of the man of affairs. The purpose of education is to prepare
the practical man of the world. Social realism explains that education should equip learners
for a happy and successful life as a man of the world wherein direct contact with things,
people and social conditions
Montaigne – He said that “To make it of any real value you must not only get it into their minds
but espouse them to it.” He emphasizes a teaching method which was according to the natural
tendencies and development of a child. The aim of education is to inculcate intellect & logic in
man by which he can live his life well.
4. Sense Realism – emphasizes the training of the senses. Senses are the gateways of
knowledge and learning takes place the operation of the senses. It aims to develop a natural
society by working in accord with the laws and nature. Teaching methods should be
scientific inductive based on observation, analysis and synthesis.
Emphasis of Sense Realism
a) Application of inductive method formulated by Bacon in order to organize and simplify
the instructional process.
b) To replace instruction in Latin by the instruction in Vernacular, and
c) To substitute new scientific and social studies inn place of the studies in language and
literature.
5. Neo-Realism – is a philosophical thought that appears the methods and results of modern
development in physics. It supports the education art with the science and analytical system
of education with humanistic.
Realism in Different Aspect of Education
Realism in education is a philosophical movement that based on the belief that
knowledge is a product of experience and observation. Realists view the natural world as a
primary source of learning and believe that learning should be based on experience and
observation of the world around us. Realism in education remain a powerful and influential
philosophical tradition.
Goal of Education in Realism
To help individuals understand and apply the principles of science to help solve the
problems in the world.
Aims of Education
a) To prepare the child for a happy and successful life.
b) To prepare the child for a real-life,
c) To develop the physical and mental powers of the child.
d) To develop the training of senses
e) To acquaint the child with nature and social environment
f) To impart vocational education
g) To understand the material world through inquiry
h) A study of science and the scientific method
i) A need to know in the world in order to ensure survival
j) Basic, essential knowledge with a no-nonsense approach
k) Transmit culture and develop human nature
Realism in the Curriculum
a) Subjects concerning day to day activities.
b) Developed according to Utility and Needs.
c) Main subjects – natural science, physical science, health culture, physical exercise,
math, geography, history, astronomy
Realism in the Teacher
a) Teacher should be educated and well-versed with the customs of belief and rights and
duties of people and trends.
b) Teacher must have full mastery of the knowledge of the present life.
c) Teacher must be able to expose and guide the student towards the hard realities of life.
d) Teacher must be able to co-relate between utility in daily life and education
e) Teacher should define simple rules.
f) Teacher should teach subjects in proper order
g) Teacher should find out the interest of the child and to teach accordingly.
Methods of Teaching:
a) Emphasis on critical reasoning through observation
b) Supports accountability and performance-based teaching
c) Scientific research and development
d) Mastery of facts: Recitation, experimentation, demonstration, drills, exercises.
e) Education should proceed from simple to complex and from concrete to abstract.
f) Enhanced learning through direct or indirect experiences; field trips, lectures, tv films,
audio-visual aids, computer technology and library.
g) Learning is based on facts: analysis and questioning
h) Precision and order: ringing bells, time periods, daily lesson plans
i) Children should be given positive rewards.
Realism in the Classroom
a) Focuses on the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.
b) Classroom environment is highly structured and organized.
c) Utilization of standardized testing.
d) Education should be fun and interesting for the student.
e) Education should prepare students for life in the real-world.
