Teaching has been around since way before Plato, Socrates, and Confucius; it has evolved over the centuries ever since. Teaching is now considered to be an art form, a science and a vehicle for educational innovation. As teaching evolves, so too do the philosophies that guide it.
Today, there are seven known philosophies that provide educators with a broad range of ideologies with which to approach teaching. This article will explore the seven philosophies of teaching and their impact on classroom instruction.
1. Perennialism
Perennialism is perhaps the oldest known philosophy of teaching, as it is based on the logical assumption that certain ideas and topics have remained timeless over the centuries. With the rise of modernism, however, the concept of perennialism has become increasingly outdated.
Perennialists typically profess that study of the classics is the best way to make sense of the modern world. It is also kind of traditional education, in terms of educational assets. Perennialists believe in teaching traditional subjects such as mathematics, language, science, and social studies.
In a nutshell, perennialists believe that the books and philosophies of great minds are the basis of all knowledge; thus, teaching these works to students is the best way to promote intellectual development. In a classroom setting, perennialist teachers foster an environment that encourages students to apply classic principles and skills to contemporary contexts.
For example, an educator teaching literature or language may ask students to note differences between an ancient text and a modern-day work in order to determine how language has changed over the centuries. Perennialists also strive to instill in students the importance of critical thinking, data analysis, and the ability to form logical arguments – skills that will stay with them throughout their lives.
2. Essentialism
Essentialism is another teaching philosophy that predates modernism. It is similar to perennialism in both outlook and teaching methods. The primary difference between the two philosophies is that essentialists prioritize foundational knowledge, such as reading and writing, over teaching broader topics.
Essentialists believe that these core skills need to be taught before more advanced courses are introduced, and that the most effective way to do so is to thoroughly drill these skills into students. Essentialists often subscribe to the belief that students should be taught with a heavy emphasis on discipline, memorization and practice.
Essentialist classrooms involve many hours of independent work, as teachers encourage students to learn a particular body of knowledge on their own. This approach to teaching also includes test-based assessments and direct instruction.
In other words, teachers will lecture on a specific topic and provide students with little time to reflect or discuss the material.
3. Progressivism
Progressivism is a teaching philosophy that arose in the late 19th century. It is based on the idea that students will develop the skills they need to succeed in life if they are provided with the resources and opportunities to do so.
Progressivists strongly oppose the idea of strict rote memorization, believing that it undermines the natural development of critical thinking skills. Teachers who adopt progressivism believe that students should be encouraged, rather than forced, to ask questions and challenge traditional structures. In the classroom, progressivist teachers will often focus on teaching students how to think and make decisions independently, unlike essentialists who may emphasize rote learning.
Progressivists strive to create an environment in which students can make informed decisions about the lessons and projects they undertake, so that their learning can be both meaningful and enjoyable. Additionally, progressivism encourages students to incorporate creativity into their learning experiences.
4. Behaviorism
Behaviorism is a teaching philosophy that focuses exclusively on the observation and analysis of behavior in order to shape learning outcomes. It was developed in the early 20th century as an alternative to traditional methods of education, as it strives to make learning more efficient and conducive to different learning styles. Behaviorists in the classroom strive to create an environment that is conducive to stimulating positive behavior changes, as well as eliminating counterproductive behavior.
Behaviorism is often seen in educational settings as an effective way to promote the development of the “whole child,” as it encourages meaningful learning experiences that are tailored to the individual student’s needs. Behaviorist classrooms also strive to promote self-regulation and ownership of learning through rewards and recognitions for mastering new concepts.
Finally, students in behaviorist classrooms are encouraged to apply their new skills to real-world problems, allowing for an expansive and meaningful learning experience.
5. Constructivism
Constructivism is a teaching philosophy that emphasizes the importance of allowing students to explore their own ideas and beliefs in order to understand a concept. Constructivists believe that knowledge is socially constructed, meaning it is created as individuals interact with their environment and use it to create meaning.
Constructivists strive to create learning experiences that promote critical thinking and constructive dialogue. In the classroom, constructivist teachers promote deep learning experiences by encouraging and empowering students to test their hypotheses and negotiate meaning with one another. Constructivist classrooms are typically student-centered, meaning that the teachers serve more as facilitators of learning, rather than knowledge-dispensers.
This allows students to have more autonomy in their learning, which is a primary goal of constructivism. Additionally, constructivists embrace a variety of teaching strategies that accommodate different learning styles, such as project-based learning and experiential activities.
6. Reconstructivism
Reconstructivism is a variation of constructivism. It is primarily focused on the idea that individuals construct knowledge based on the interpretations and applications of their prior experiences.
This is in stark contrast to the traditional methods of teaching, which emphasize the primacy of expert-generated knowledge. Reconstructivism is also highly focused on the idea of self-reflection and self-regulation. In the classroom, reconstructivist teachers strive to create engaging learning experiences that challenge students to think critically and reflect on their prior experiences in order to form new understandings.
Reconstructivist teachers often use problem-solving activities, discussion-based lessons, and other forms of experiential learning. Additionally, teachers in reconstructivist classrooms often give students options in terms of the direction their learning will take – enabling them to optimize their learning experience for their individual needs and interests.
7. Social Reconstructionism
Social reconstructionism is a teaching philosophy that is primarily focused on addressing social inequalities. This philosophy is based on the idea that education should be used to help identify social issues and empower students to recognize the power they hold to create positive change in their communities. Social reconstructionists strive to empower students to think critically and push back against unfair social practices.
In the classroom, social reconstructionists often emphasize the importance of teaching students to take action. This includes teaching students how to become politically engaged, and encouraging them to participate in grassroots movements and campaigns.
Social reconstructionists also strive to promote economic, political, and social equality. They may do this by introducing students to a variety of topics, such as racial and gender inequalities, poverty, and human rights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the seven philosophy of teaching are perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, behaviorism, constructivism, reconstructivism, and social reconstructionism. Each of these philosophies has its own distinct approach to teaching and instructional strategies. Ultimately, it is up to the educators to determine which philosophy is the most suitable for their classroom and their students.
By doing so, they can provide their students with the best possible learning experience.