UNIT 3
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION AND
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF
TEACHING
Presented by: Alcaraz, Ibay
A. WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY
OF EDUCATION?
DEFINITION AND
NATURE
Philosophy literally means 'love of wisdom'. It is an attempt to arrive at a
rational conception of the reality as a whole. It enquires into the nature of the
universe in which we live, the nature of the human soul, and its destiny, and
the nature of God or the Absolute, and their relation to one another. Your
philosophy of education is your concept of the learner, concept of what must
be taught and how this must be taught. These thoughts are the bases of
your actions and decisions when you prepare to teach and when you teach
PHILOSOPHY AND
EDUCATION
Philosophy
-is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those
connected with reality, existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and
language.
-The word "philosophy" comes from the Ancient Greek (philosophia),
which literally means "love of wisdom".
Education
-The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction,
especially at a school or university.
-Education is defined as the process of gaining knowledge.
B. PHILOSOPHICAL
FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION
WESTERN PHILOSOPHIES
Generally, a Western philosophy of education comprises two schools, which are
traditional and modern.
a. Idealism - the aim of education is to discover and develop each individual's
abilities and full moral excellence in order to better serve society. The curricular emphasis
is subject matter of mind: literature, history, philosophy, and religion.
b. Realism - is the belief that we should study logic, critical thinking, and the scientific
method to teach students to perceive and understand reality. Realists believe that
the job of schools is to teach students about the world around them.
WESTERN PHILOSOPHIES
c. Pragmatism/Experimentalism
- is an educational philosophy that says that education should
be about life and growth. Two important elements of
pragmatism include practical llearning, which focuses on
the real-world applications of lessons, and experiential
learning, which involves learning through experience,
not through simple ideas. history, philosophy, and religion.
Socrates (469—399 BCE)
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES
an Eastern education philosophy holds on to the concept of teaching. Students
receive fully knowledge from the teachers inside the classroom. Students in
away receive knowledge in a rigid way as they only seem to learn and study straightly
from the teachers.
a.Hinduism
- focus on shiksha (education) as value based worthwhile learning
(Chinta Mani Yogi). They believe that through education, one can attain the skills essential
for living/survival but vidya is attained for life. Through shiksha, one can become
successful but having vidya, is having the ability to attain wisdom.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES
b. Buddhism
- The chief aim of Buddhist education is all round
development of child's personality. This includes his
physical, mental, moral and intellectual development.
c.Confucianism
- The core of Confucian educational philosophy is how
we learn to be human. Human beings are the ends not the
means. Confucius believed that the ultimate end of learning
was to realize the true nature of human beings – become fully
CONFUCIUS human.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES
d.Taoism
-Taoist philosophy, though different
on several accounts than Confucianism, is similarly
based on the central idea of yin and yang. The yin
represents earth and the yang represents heaven.
Taoists believe that all things contain yin and yang
and it is their blended influence that promotes
harmony.
LAO TZU
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES
e.Zen Buddhism
-Zen is a school of Buddhism which emphasizes the practice of meditation as the
key ingredient to awakening ones inner nature, compassion and wisdom. The practice
of meditation (Zen in Japanese) as a means of attaining enlightenment was
introduced, as we have seen, by the Buddha himself.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES
f.Christian Philosophy
The Christian philosophy of education encompasses every aspect of a student's
experience, from kindergarten through postgraduate degree programs. Learning
and understanding through the lens of the Bible at a Christian school gives students
of all ages the opportunity to stay true to their spiritual values while receiving a high-
quality education in preparation for the future.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES
g. Saracen Philosophy
- Saracenic education aimed at the development of individual initiative and
social welfare-liberal education in its truest sense. All education began with religious
education and memorization of the Koran. It was a simple religion
emphasizing a high degree of tolerance with the faith.
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES
a.Perennialism
-Perennialists believe that the focus of
education should be the ideas that have lasted
over centuries. They believe the ideas are as
relevant and meaningful today as when they were
written. They recommend that students learn from
reading and analyzing the works by history's finest
thinkers and writers
Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES
b. Essentialism
-is an educational philosophy whose
adherents believe that children should learn the
traditional basic subjects thoroughly. In this
philosophical school of thought, the aim is to
instill students with the "essentials" of academic
knowledge, enacting a back-to-basics approach.
William C. Bagley (1874–1946)
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES
c.Existentialism
-Existentialism in education focuses on the
individual, seeking out a personal understanding of
the world. Thus each individual characterizes for
himself or herself the concepts of reality, truth and
goodness, schools exist to aid children in knowing
themselves and their place in society.
Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES
d.Progressivism
- Progressivists believe that education should focus
on the whole child, rather than on the content or
the teacher. This educational philosophy stresses that
students should test ideas by active experimentation.
Learning is rooted in the questions of learners
that arise through experiencing the world.
John Dewey (1859–1952)
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHIES
e.Social Reconstructionism
-Social reconstructionism is a philosophy
that emphasizes the addressing of social
questions and a quest to create a better
society and worldwide democracy. Reconstructionist
educators focus on a curriculum that highlights social
reform as the aim of education
Theodore Brameld (1904-1987)
IDEALISM
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes the importance of ideas and the mind in
shaping reality.
Role of Teacher: The teacher serves as a guide, inspiring students to explore
abstract concepts and think critically.
EXAMPLE
Example: In an art class, the teacher encourages students to paint their
dreams and aspirations, emphasizing the idea that creativity stems from the
imagination.
Explanation: Idealism prioritizes the importance of ideas and the mind in
shaping reality, focusing on abstract concepts like dreams and aspirations.
BUDDHISM
Classroom Focus: Cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and understanding
of impermanence.
Role of Teacher: The teacher acts as a mentor, guiding students on the path
to self-discovery and inner peace.
EXAMPLE
Example: During a mindfulness session, students practice deep breathing
and guided meditation to cultivate inner peace and mental clarity. The
teacher encourages students to let go of worries and focus on the present
moment.
Explanation: Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and
understanding of impermanence. In this scenario, the focus is on teaching
students techniques to develop self-awareness.
PROGRESSIVISM
Classroom Focus: Student-centered learning, experiential education, and
social reform.
Role of Teacher: The teacher acts as a facilitator, encouraging student
inquiry and participation in real-world projects.
EXAMPLE
Example: Students participate in a project-based learning activity where they
choose a topic of interest, conduct research, and present their findings.
Explanation: Progressivism emphasizes student-centered learning, critical
thinking, and hands-on experiences.
PRAGMATISM
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes practical experience and problem-solving.
Role of Teacher: The teacher acts as a facilitator, guiding students to apply
knowledge and skills to real-life situations.
EXAMPLE
Example: In a science class, students conduct experiments to learn about the
properties of magnets and how they can be used in everyday life, focusing on
practical applications of scientific knowledge.
Explanation: Pragmatism emphasizes practical experience and problem-
solving, contrasting with idealism's focus on abstract ideas and realism's
emphasis on objective reality.
TAOISM
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes harmony with nature and the flow of life.
Role of Teacher: The teacher embodies humility and leads by example,
fostering a sense of balance and acceptance.
EXAMPLE
Example: During a nature walk, students observe the natural world around
them, paying attention to the balance and harmony of the environment.
Explanation: Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with nature and the
acceptance of the natural flow of life
ESSENTIALISM
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes the importance of core academic subjects and
traditional values.
Role of Teacher: Focus on mastering fundamental skills and content areas to
build a strong educational foundation.
EXAMPLE
Example: Students in a math class are taught basic arithmetic skills such as
addition and subtraction using traditional methods like flashcards and drills.
Explanation: Essentialism emphasizes teaching fundamental skills and
knowledge,
EXISTENTIALISM
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes individual freedom, authenticity, and personal
responsibility.
Role of Teacher: The teacher acts as a guide, encouraging students to
explore their own beliefs, values, and meaning in life.
EXAMPLE
Example: During a class discussion, students explore the concept of personal
freedom and responsibility by examining their own values and choices in life.
Explanation: Existentialism focuses on individual freedom, authenticity, and
the search for meaning.
SOCIAL
RECONSTRUCTIONISM
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes social justice, equity, and activism.
Role of Teacher: The teacher engage students in action to address social
issues and promote positive change in their communities.
EXAMPLE
Example : Students organize a fundraising event to support a local charity
working to alleviate poverty in their community, raising awareness about
social issues and advocating for positive change.
Explanation: Social Reconstructionism emphasizes social justice, equity, and
activism
REALISM
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes the objective reality external to the mind.
Role of Teacher: The teacher serves as an authority on factual knowledge,
guiding students to understand the world as it is.
EXAMPLE
Example: Students in a geography class study maps and globes to learn
about different countries and continents, focusing on factual information and
observable phenomena.
Explanation: Realism prioritizes the objective reality external to the mind
CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes values and principles rooted in Christian
beliefs.
Role of Teacher: Emphasizes values and principles rooted in Christian beliefs.
EXAMPLE
Example: In a morning assembly, students gather for prayer and reflection,
expressing gratitude for their blessings and seeking guidance from religious
teachings.
Explanation: Christian philosophy emphasizes values and principles rooted in
Christian beliefs, contrasting with pragmatism's focus on practical experience
and problem-solving.
CONFUCIANISM
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes the objective reality external to the mind.
Role of Teacher: The teacher serves as a role model and mentor, imparting
Confucian values and ethics.
EXAMPLE
Scenario: Students bow respectfully to their teacher, showing gratitude for
their guidance and emphasizing respect for authority.
Explanation: Confucianism prioritizes social harmony and respect for
hierarchical relationships, contrasting with pragmatism's focus on practical
experience and problem-solving.
ZEN BUDDHISM
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, and the direct
experience of enlightenment.
Role of Teacher: The teacher embodies Zen principles of simplicity, presence,
and non-attachment, guiding students toward self-realization.
EXAMPLE
Example : Before starting a test, the teacher leads students in a brief
mindfulness exercise, helping them to calm their minds and focus on the
present moment.
Explanation: Zen Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, and the
direct experience of enlightenment, contrasting with idealism's focus on
abstract ideas and the mind.
SARACEN PHILOSOPHY
Classroom Focus: Emphasizes principles and values influenced by Islamic
teachings and traditions.
Role of Teacher: The teacher acts as a facilitator of Islamic knowledge and
ethics, fostering spiritual growth and moral development.
EXAMPLE
Example: In a history class, students learn about the Golden Age of Islamic
civilization, studying advancements in science, mathematics, and literature.
Explanation: Saracen philosophy emphasizes the contributions of Islamic
scholars and thinkers to human knowledge
C. PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF
TEACHING
IMPORTANCE
•Importance of a personal philosophy of teaching
A personal teaching philosophy is an essential and active element of a
teacher. Acquiring a philosophy is powerful, in that it directs and guides a
teacher’s teaching practices in the classroom as well as how they perceive
teaching and learning and the students around them. It is also a self-
reflective statement of your beliefs about teaching and Example learning.
THANK YOU
IT’S TIME TO
CREATE YOUR OWN
PHILOSOPHY!
ACTIVITY TIME!
GUIDELINES
1.Make it brief and well written.
2. Use a narrative, first-person approach.
3. Make it specific rather than abstract.
4. Be discipline-specific.
5. Avoid jargon and technical terms.
6. Be humble.
ACTIVITY TIME!
EXAMPLE
"My philosophy, when it comes to teaching, is to never give
upon my students. Everyone has their talents and strengths. My
philosophy will be to teach my students HOW to study, HOW to
maintainfocus, and HOW to ask the right questions. With
those tools at theirfingertips, they will be able to achieve so much
more.”
ACTIVITY TIME!
RUBRICS
1. Clarity (30%)
2. Personal Connection (25%)
3. Relevance (25%)
4. Simplicity (20%)
