The Philosophy of Education
Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism
and Existensialism
What is Philosophy of Education
All teachers have a personal philosophy that
colors the way they teach
Engaging in philosophy helps clarify what
they do or intend to do, justify or explain
why they do what they do in a logical,
systematic manner
Idealism
Grounded on Plato’s vision of the ideal Republic,
wherein the individual was best served by being
subordinated to a just society
Plato’s method of dialogue engaged in systematic,
logical examination of all points of view…
ultimately leading to agreement and a synthesis of
ideas…this approach known as the dialectic or
logical.
Idealism
Material things do not exist independently
in the physical world but only in the mind.
Can be seen in religious beliefs and rituals,
monarchial form of government and
oneness of the Supreme Being.
Spanish education brought to the
Philippines is idealist in nature.
Idealism
Goal of Learning
Bring the learner into harmony with
God
The school should teach the rudiments
of intellectual skills and traditional
subjects concerning the lives of saints
and heroes, facts, laws and traditions
Idealism
Aim of the Curriculum
Familiarize with culture
Priorities in the Curriculum
Liberal arts and humanities,
literature, classics, arts, music
appreciation, philosophy and history.
Idealism
Role of the Teacher
Interpret the law and will of God
as well as the ultimate authority.
He is expected to be a
charismatic persuader and an
inspiring academic leader expert
in the use of words.
Idealism
Teaching Methods
Recitation, essay, writing, rote
memorization and assigned
readings.
Teacher centered learning
Student creativity is very limited
Realism
Aristotle considered human nature, habit and
reason to be equally important forces to be
cultivated in education
The nature and its order and symmetry are the
source of knowledge that human beings need.
Realism is opposed to idealism because it
held that the specific nature of a thing exists
independently outside the mind.
Realism
Aim of Education
Preparethe learner to live in harmony
with nature by knowing its laws
Priority of the Curriculum
Study
of nature (biology, physics,
mathematics and social sciences)
Realism
Role of the Teacher
Good role model and example to the learner. He is
considered as authority with all embracing knowledge
and interpreter of the unknown
Teaching Methods
Lecture, recitation and essay combined with
instructional media, laboratory, demonstrations,
educational trips and research work.
Students creativity should be an imitation of nature for it
to be accepted
Pragmatism
A concept or theory is evaluated in terms of
how it works and its consequences as the
standard for action.
All truths must be tested to validate if it is
true or not.
Greek word “pragma” which means action or
affair.
It implies practicability, usefulness and
functionality of something.
Pragmatism
Purpose of Learning
Assist a child to become a socially
valuable individual.
The learning center should recognize
the present needs of the learner and
help him to overcome conflict.
Pragmatism
Role of the Teacher
Motivate, influence and facilitate the students
to learn
Methods of Teaching
Learning by doing
Classroom seating is less rigid compared
to idealists.
Invention and creation are important
Existentialism
Human persons do not possess the essence;
rather they make choices that create their
own nature.
Individuals take responsibility of their own
actions and shape their own destinies
Freedom of choice entails risks,
responsibility and commitment.
Existentialism
Aim of Learning
Help the learner to become fully his authentic
self.
Course of the Curriculum
Fine arts, drama, creative expression, literature
and philosophy.
Individual learners are free to choose what
subjects they want to study.
Existentialism
Role of the Teacher
Questioner, poser of alternatives and identifier
of choices who challenges the learner to
become fully existent.
Teaching Method
Encouragement and promotion of individual self-
expression and personal activity
Creativity is an expression of oneself . Criticism to any
individual work is less important.
Thank you for listening!!
