Philosophy of Education
Reconstructionism
JOHNNA A. CORDERO
DISCUSSANT
RECONSTRUCTIONISM
•
CONTENT
Definition of Reconstructionism
• Premises of reconstructionism
• Philosophical Root
• Principal Proponents
• Reconstructionism in Education
Reconstructionism
“Education does not
change the world.
Education change the
people who will
change the world”
-Paulo Freire
What word can you associate with the
word reconstruct?
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What is Reconstructionism?
Also known as The true It declares that
Social successor of the chief purpose
Reconstruction-ism Progressiv- of education is to
ism Reconstruct
Society.
Premises of Reconstructionism
Such social change involves
reconstruction of education and
Society is in need of the use of education in
constant Reconstruction. reconstructing the society.
Philosophical Root
Pragmatism
A reasonable and logical way
of doing things or thinking
about problems.
Principal Proponents
Theodore Brameld (1904-1987)
Founder of Social Reconstructionism.
In reaction against the realities of World War II.
He recognized the potential for either human
annihilation through technology and human
cruelty or the capacity to create a beneficent
society using technology and human
compassion.
Principal Proponents
George Counts (1889-1974)
recognized that education was the means
of preparing people for creating this new
social order. Critical theorists, like social
reconstructionist, believe that systems
must be changed to overcome oppression
and improve human conditions.
Principal Proponents
Paulo Freire (1921-1997)
was a Brazilian whose experiences living
in poverty led him to champion education
and literacy as the vehicle for social
change.
Freire saw teaching and learning as a
process of inquiry in which the child
must invent and reinvent the world.
Principal Proponents
For social reconstructionist curriculum focuses on
student experience and taking social action on real
problems, such as violence, hunger, international
terrorism, inflation, and inequality. Community-based
learning and bringing the world into the classroom are
also strategies.
Focus of Learning
Critically analyzed world
events.
Focus controversial issues.
Develop vision of new and
better world.
Promotes program of cultural
renewal.
Curriculum
Reflect democratic ideals and emphasize civic
education
Opportunity for students to gain first hand
experience in studying real social problems and
controversial issues
Students consider societal problems such as place
of ethics in improving quality of life, conserve
natural resources, and issues of foreign policy and
naturalism
Instructional Methods
Cooperative learning, problem solving, critical thinking
Focus on active learning and activities outside of school
Students spend time in the community to learn its problems
Would analyze research and link issues to place in the
community and larger society
Take action or responsibility in planning for change
Nature of the Students
Students are a critical element in
bringing social change
Students are capable of initiating and
adapting to change especially if they are
influenced by appropriate adult role models
Role of the Teacher
*An educator who is also a social activist *Sees
education as a tool for solving the problems of society -
The teacher can inform others about the nature and the
extent of the problem
- Can suggest what one can do about these problems
- Rather than being passive dispensers of knowledge,
teachers should become facilitators for analysis and
change.
As a Teacher
Must be willing to engage in ongoing renewal of their
person and professional lives
Criticize and evaluate work conditions and extend
educational role outside of the classroom
Must be comfortable with constant change Willing to
engage and form alliances with the community and
parents to make the school better.
“Education should lead to
freedom not to adjustment to the
society”
Philosophy of Education
Reconstructionism
JOHNNA A. CORDERO
DISCUSSANT
